Players from Sports Authority of India and Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy vie for the ball during the junior national semifinal in Bengaluru on Saturday.
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, May 20
Hockey Chandigarh put in a superlative performance to drub Hockey Odisha 10-1 to set up the title clash with Sports Authority of India (SAI) in the 7th Sub Junior National Hockey Championship 2017 (Men) A Division in Bengaluru today.
SAI overcame Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy 2-1.
Odisha took the initial lead, scoring through Ajay Kumar Ekka in the 9th minute of the match. However, Chandigarh drew level just seven minutes later through Sukhman Singh and the score would stay even going into the break.
In the second half, Hockey Chandigarh seemingly notched up a gear, scoring eight goals without reply to ensure a place in the final.
The scoring started three minutes into the second half, Mandeep converting a penalty corner to give the side the lead. From there on, the city boys cruised through. Sukhman Singh (16th, 46th) and Maninder Singh (42nd, 50th) scored a brace each for Chandigarh.
SAI beat MP
Earlier, Sports Authority of India had to struggle against Madhya Pradesh as the side came from a goal down to book a berth in the final.
After a goalless first half, where both teams struggled to overcome initial nerves, and were happier playing the ball in the midfield, it was Madhya Pradesh boys that took the initiative and struck the first blow.
Shailendra Singh’s 48th minute gave them the lead and forced the SAI to come out of their shell.
Within a couple of minutes Rimanshu converted a penalty corner to help SAI draw level and the game was even again.
Despite a host of chances, both teams struggled to break each other down and with the threat of a shootout looming, it was SAI that found the winner.
Rimanshu it was again, pushing through a perfect penalty corner to give the side a goal that would prove to be the winner and take them through to the final.
Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy will play Hockey Odisha for the third position at 7.30 am tomorrow, while the final between SAI and Hockey Chandigarh would begin at 4 pm.
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