City lads out of title contention

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 19 

Hockey Chandigarh went down against Sports Authority of India (SAI) 0-3 in the first quarterfinal match of the ongoing 9th Hockey India Sub-Junior Men National Championship 2019 (A Division), in Raipur (Chhattisgarh), today. 

Despite holding their fort high for the first 30 minutes, the local lads failed to find a breakthrough. Their downfall started, as they conceded the first goal in the 35th minute. Akash netted the ball without any hesitation. 

In the next 14 minutes, the city boys conceded two more goals. Md Zaid Khan doubled the lead in the 42nd minute for SAI, while Abhishek extended the lead to 3-0 in the 49th minute. Down to three goals, the city boys failed in every attempt for making a comeback in the match.   

Hockey Punjab also moved out of the tournament after facing a 0-3 win against Uttar Pradesh Hockey. Ankit netted two goals-10th minute, 39th minute- and Siddhant Singh (17th) added one to ensure an easy win for Uttar Pradesh Hockey. In the third quarter, Hockey Odisha rushed to a 3-2 victory over Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy to advance into the semifinals. Paulus (2nd, 38th) and Rajmon (60th) completed the Hockey Odisha tally. Shreyas Dhupe (19th, 49th) meanwhile scored two goals for Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy.

Hockey Jharkhand also continued their fine form in the competition as they defeated Hockey Haryana 2-1. Hockey Haryana took the lead in the match in the 37th minute through Tanuj. However, Hockey Jharkhand's Aseem scored back to back goals —48th and 57th—to pull off a stunning win for Jharkhand.

Sukhveer scores four in Patiala’s 5-0 victory 

Meanwhile, in the Sub-Junior Women National Championship (B Division), Hockey Patiala defeated Andhra Hockey Association 5-0. Sukhveer Kaur (1st, 19th, 22nd, 35th) ensured the team's win, while Taranpreet Kaur (43rd) added one to complete the tally. In Pool B, Hockey Maharashtra defeated Kerala Hockey 5-0 as Himanshi (4th, 19th, 52nd ) scored a hat-trick. Manashri (22nd) and Gauri (42nd) scored a goal apiece. 

Hockey Puducherry went to 0-3 against Mumbai School Sports Association. Shreya (5th , 26th) scored two goals and Kashish (12th) added one to the tally. Hockey Rajasthan beat Hockey Gujarat by a slim margin of 2-1. Goals for Hockey Rajasthan were scored by Chetnarani (26th) and Sakshi (36th), while Gujarat’s solitary goal came in the 28th minute through Kashish Patel.