President praises hockey, kabaddi teams for winning Asiad gold

NEW DELHI: President Pranab Mukherjee today congratulated the the Indian men's hockey squad and kabaddi teams for winning gold at the Incheon Asian Games.

In his message to captains Sardar Singh (hockey), Tejeswini Bai (women's kabaddi), Rakesh Kumar (men's kabaddi), the President said it was a proud moment for the country.

The Indian hockey team won the gold medal yesterday by defeating arch-rival Pakistan in a nail-biting finish.

The President also sent congratulatory messages to Priyanka Panwar, Tintu Luka, Mandeep Kaur and M.R. Poovamma for winning gold in the women's 4 x 400m relay team event. The relay team also set a new Asian Games record.

Vice-President Hamid Ansari also praised the performance of the medallists.

"I congratulate the Indian Hockey team for their spectacular success in winning the prestigious Gold Medal at the Incheon Asian Games. This win brings honour to India and is an example of team spirit, skill and determination of the young players," said Ansari.