Spain's hockey team relished a "lifetime experience" of driving into Pakistan from India through the Wagah border crossing for this week's Champions Trophy, coach Maurits Hendricks said on Thursday.
"It was once in a lifetime experience," Hendricks told AFP. "If someone wants to know about these two great countries India and Pakistan, you have to cross through the Wagah border and my players take this as a positive start."
Spain, who drew a two-match series in India 1-1 this week, will take part in the six-nation Champions Trophy starting in Lahore from Saturday.
Defending champions the Netherlands, world champions Germany, host Pakistan, India and New Zealand are the other teams competing in the annual vent.
The Spanish team had to wait for six hours as they arrived at the Wagah border Wednesday evening when Pakistani guards had closed the gates.
Pakistani authorities had to summon the immigration and custom officials back from their homes to let them in.
"It took a bit longer than we would have liked but let's not focus on that because my players and I am happy that we gained the Wagah experience after we chose to cross the border," said Hendricks, who is from the Netherlands.
