Celebrations in Delhi

A. M. Ramaswamy, the new IHF President, had flown to Kuala Lumpur for the World Cup. He behaved like a rich uncle, dispensing both affection and dollars equally among the players. The rustle of crisp hundred dollar notes after we lifted the World Cup certainly helped us find a place in our hearts for Ramaswamy.

We got a lot of gifts from the Indian community in Kuala Lumpur. Later, we landed in Singapore en route back home, and picked up a few more items. When we finally landed in Madras, into the waiting arms of Ramaswamy, we found out that we had no money to pay the Customs duties. When he came to know of it, Ramaswamy arranged for the money at midnight. It was an unforgettable gesture.

At Palam airport in Delhi, men from all walks of life were there - from the rickshaw puller of Chandni Chowk and the motor mechanic of Pahar Ganj, to Raja Bhalindra Singh of the IOA and Punjab's Minster of Sports, Umrao Singh.

As the team trooped out of the aircraft, there was a deafening roar of applause. I was the last to come out, amidst shouts of 'Sheron Ka Sher, Aslam Sher.'

I was not allowed to set foot in my country in my hour of triumph. Hands reached out, lifted me high, and placed me on their shoulders. It was my first experience of being mobbed.

Someone snatched the hat I was wearing. On being asked to return it, he replied that he would give up his life, but not that hat. That was the love showered by Indians on a fellow Indian.

At No. 1, Safdarjung Road, Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi met with us. Sports editor Sriman of The Times of India introduced me to Mrs. Gandhi. "Madam Prime Minister," he said in his broken Hindi, "this boy is Aslam Sher Khan. He has lifted Indian hockey from its grave."

With the World Cup and Mrs. Indira Gandhi