The Indian hockey team's Olympic qualification was not just celebrated in the country but was also lauded by their counterparts across the border in
Pakistan who felt the side's presence in the mega-event is essential for the sport.
India had failed to qualify for the 2008 Olympics, which was a first-in-80-years low for Indian hockey.

But the team's erased the memories of that nightmare by booking their London ticket last night by hammering France 8-1 in the qualifiers' final in New Delhi. 

India's performance was lauded by Pakistani players such as Rehan Butt and Sohail Abbas, who said to save Asian Hockey, it is necessary that the neighbours play Olympics.