Karogi Athletic Park:<\/b> India head coach VVS Laxman praised his team's resilience and \"champion\u2019s mindset\" after returning to India following their gold-medal triumph at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, saying the players held their nerve when tested by difficult conditions to successfully defend the title.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India beat arch-rivals Pakistan in the final at the Karogi Athletic Park, Nisshin, to successfully defend their men's cricket title.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Laxman said the achievement carried particular significance, with the team being defending champions at the continental showpiece.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cDefending the gold is also a very special moment for all of us,\u201d Laxman said while speaking to reporters upon his return to India.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The former India batter credited the players for consistently rising to the occasion despite challenges during the Games, particularly when the conditions made things difficult.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cVery pleased with the way the team played. Getting a gold in the Asian Games is a matter of great pride. And I think everyone played to their potential,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Laxman also underlined the depth of talent within the squad, pointing to the work ethic and mentality that helped India produce the desired result on the continental stage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe are very lucky to have so many players who are so talented and hard-working and have a great work ethic, and also, most importantly, who have got a champion\u2019s mindset,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The coach felt that the team\u2019s ability to remain composed when the stakes were high was one of the defining aspects of its campaign.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe are very lucky to have so many players who are so talented and hard-working and have a great work ethic, and also, most importantly, who have got a champion\u2019s mindset,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> Special Cricket Stories<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n