New Delhi, May 20 : After a commendable performance in the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey tournament in Malaysia, Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi felicitated the Indian hockey team here today.

The team, which returned on May 19 after defeating four Olympic qualifiers in the contest, received an enthusiastic welcome for their performance after almost a decade.

Kalmadi said a fully functional hockey federation would be in place soon.

"Enthusiasm has revived in the team. Still a lot of work needs to be done. In Malaysia, our boys played really well. For the first time in 12 years, they won a silver medal and reached the final. But this is just the beginning. A lot of work is still required. We are organising seminar for the players and the coaches to devise plans to move forward in the future," said Kalmadi, president, Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

Sandeep Singh, the drag flicker and the highest scorer in the tournament, expressed his satisfaction over his come back, and was optimistic about the team's performance in future tournaments.

"See what all happened falls in the purview of management. Whatever was going on with the Indian Hockey Federation, the boys were just concerned and focussed on playing good hockey. We just wanted to display to the nation, that still some good game is left in us," said Sandeep Singh.

India, which had made its place in the final after beating host Malaysia 2-1 in the Sultan Azlan Shah tournament, lost to Argentina on May 18, emerging as the runner up.

ANI