New Delhi, May 20 (IANS) Lauding the achievement of the hockey team at the Azlan Shah Cup, Sports Minister M S Gill Tuesday assured them that the government would do everything required to revive the golden days of Indian hockey. “The government will provide all necessary support to get the game back on the track,” said Gill, who met the team which finished runners-up in the tournament at Ipoh, Malaysia.

“Hockey has completely changed in the past 25 years and we need to provide all the latest facilities to our players. We will lay down more synthetic turfs as that is one area where we are lacking,” he said.

Gill also asked the new selection committee and ad-hoc committee to give their best in the interest of the game.

“They are doing a good job and I have the confidence that they will take good care of hockey. The selection committee should also keep in mind that they select players only on merit, there should be no politics,” he said.

Indian Olympic Association President, Suresh Kalmadi, who felicitated the team at his residence, said the national hockey championship would be revived.

“We will revive the national championship and also an improved version of the Premier Hockey League. The players would be given more international exposure. Our immediate task is to ensure medals in the World Cup, Commonwealth Games and 2012 Olympics.

“We will have a seminar with the players and coaches to chalk out a plan of action,” he said.