National women's hockey captain Marsha Marescia has praised her team after they booked their place at the London Olympic Games.
The SA women returned home on Monday after picking up a 3-1 win over India in the final of the Olympic qualifying tournament in New Delhi.
“It was quite an overwhelming experience but we worked extremely hard against a team (India) that has surprised us in the past,” Marescia said.
The skipper, named Player of the Tournament, said the SA women had arrived in the Indian capital in good shape and had focused entirely on their performance at the final qualifying hurdle for the London Games in July.
“We were definitely the most prepared side at the event,” Marescia said.
South Africa became the 10th of 12 teams to book their place in the women's hockey tournament in London.
The SA men's side must win the six-nation qualifying tournament in Japan in April to reach the Games. – Sapa