Indian hockey squad felicitated

The Bharat Chettri–led Indian hockey squad was felicitated in Pune on Monday for booking a berth at the upcoming London Olympics from the qualifier that was held in Delhi in February.

Each team member, including the support and administrative staff, was presented the latest I-phone 4S, a shawl and bouquet by Emcure Pharmaceuticals' CEO Satish Mehta and COO Arun Khanna.

"We understand that the entire nation is behind us and we are working extremely hard to ensure that the Indian hockey team will finish on the podium," said Chettri at the function, attended by former India cricketer Chandu Borde and Padma Vibushan Dr K H Sancheti.

Calling the company a "friend", the India custodian recalled that it came forward and honoured the players of the 2010 Sultan Azhal Shah Cup with a silver plaque and a cheque of Rs 25,000.

Emcure had also sponsored eight players by signing a yearly endorsement contract, besides imparting training on team building and psychological strengthening to the entire team before the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

The team's head coach, Michael Nobbs, said he is extremely pleased to play a role in transforming a bunch of talented players and expected them to soon become "world beaters".

"Such faith imposed in these lads by the public will surely help the boys to do better," the Australian said.

Mehta promised that more honours will come the team's way if it finishes in the top six at the Olympics.