Congratulations to the Indian hockey team for their spectacular victory in the Asian Champions Trophy over arch rivals Pakistan. The victory has proved that hockey still has a great future. Before cricket become as popular as it is today, it was hockey which won us six Olympic gold’s in a row from the late 1920s to 1956.

But giving a paltry sum of Rs 25,000 as prize money to our hockey players was an insult to them. Hockey is our national game despite the popularity cricket enjoys and deserves a better due.

This glorious win by the Indian men’s hockey team at the Incheon edition of the Asian Games, after 16 years, was something the entire nation was waiting for with bated breath. In this thrilling, but nerve -wracking match, India beat Pakistan 4-2 in the penalty shootout to clinch the coveted hockey gold.

The last time India won gold was in the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok. This triumph ensures a berth for our team at the 2016 Rio Olympics. It is indeed a matter of great pride and a big morale booster for our players. Team India deserves accolades.

We all hope the Olympics will result in another golden glory in 2016 and that the team will work hard in this remaining time to make this goal achievable.

Saina Nehwal's bronze medal at 2012 London Olympics in bad brought laurels to the nation. i victory, she has even overshadowed some of India's great Olympians like Milkha Singh, G.S. Randhawa and P.T. Usha, all of whom qualified for the final in their respective events but ended up without a medal.

One hopes sporting communities suitably honour her and encourage more youngsters to achieve their dreams in the future Games.