NEW DELHI, May 1: The victorious Indian junior national hockey team returned after beating arch-rivals Pakistan on their home soil in Junior Asia Hockey Cup in Karachi.

India claimed their maiden Junior Asia Cup title when they beat Pakistan 5-2 in the final Thursday in Karachi.

Harendra Singh, coach of Asia Cup winning junior hockey team, said by beating Pakistan in the final his boys had avenged loss suffered by the seniors to their arch-rivals in Azlan Shah International tournament.

"This is the best gift we could have given to the country and this is the happiest moment of my life. By beating Pakistan on their home soil, we showed how hockey is played," Harendra told reporters on arrival.

"The loss in Azlan Shah Cup was in my mind when we started our campaign. I was waiting for the opportunity to take on Pakistan and take revenge. I am happy that we have achieved what we wanted," he added.

Harendra was coach of an experimental Indian team that took part in Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia in January this year. India finished last in the event with one draw and five losses, which included 2-3 defeat against Pakistan.

Harendra said it was dream of every Indian player to beat Pakistan on their home soil and with the win his boys proved that they were "tougher" than their arch-rivals.

"Mindgames come to the fore whenever the two sides meet. My boys proved that they are tougher than their opponents.

"It's a dream of every team to beat Pakistan in Pakistan. It's the ultimate achievement for a player," he said.

Meanwhile, president A P J Abdul Kalam congratulated the team on winning Junior Asia Cup title defeating Pakistan.

He said, "My hearty congratulations to you for winning Junior Asia Cup crown in Karachi. This victory will give you further motivation to defend the junior world cup hockey title next year. The nation is proud of your achievement".

All India Council of Sports president Vijay Kumar Malhotra also congratulated the team and coach Harendra Singh. He praised Tushar Khandekar, who scored a hat trick, and Sandeep Singh for their superb performance in the title clash in Karachi.

Although there was a word of caution from former stalwarts who said the triumph would throw up a good supply line - but warned that these players should be given time to mature.-PPI