Indian women’s hockey team arrives in SA
30 May 2009, PTI

DURBAN: Indian women’s hockey team were on Saturday given a warm welcome as they arrived to take part in the four-nation tournament starting on June 2.

The team was received at the airport by the Indian Consul General Harsh Varshan Shringla and the South Africa Hockey officials.

Shringla said the tournament was expected to provide the spectators in South Africa a unique opportunity to experience world-class hockey involving skills, stamina, speed, coordination and teamwork.

“As a former hockey player myself, I am looking forward to the tournament. I have no doubt that all lovers of sports will find the time to watch the matches. I appeal, in particular to the community of Indian origin, to turn out in large numbers to support their teams,” Shringla said.

“I want to wish the organisers of the tournament and the participating teams the very best of luck. We are all looking forward to some fast-paced and exciting hockey ahead of us,” he added.

Besides India, the other teams participating are Argentina, Australia and South Africa.

India will play their first match against Australia on Tuesday. The tournament ends on June 6.