Railways lift hockey trophy in shootout

In a closely contested final, Indian Railways defeated Rail Coach Factory (RCF) 3-1 to win the 6th edition of Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey Tournament, at Raghbir Singh Bhola Hockey Stadium, 3 BRD, Chandigarh.

As both sides drew level at 1-1 at the end of the stipulated time of 60 minutes, the winner was decided through a penalty shootout.

Earlier, Indian Railways drew the first blood in the 7th minute after Pankaj Rawat converted a beautifully planned penalty corner. The side went on to defend the lead successfully. While the RCF lads tried their best, the railways defence took the challenge in a very calm manner through the match. However, the match took a stunning turn in the 60th minute — in the dying moments — when a railways defender committed a mistake and conceded a penalty corner. It turned out to be the last moment for the RCF to hear the sweet voice of the wooden plank. Without making any mistake, Varinder Singh levelled the score by executing a perfect flick towards the left of the goal.

The railways got the better of the RCF in the penalty shootout to take home the glittering trophy.

Air Marshal PK Ghosh, AVSM, Air Officer-in-Charge Administration, was the chief guest at the ceremony. He presented a cash award to the winners and runner-up teams. Atuldeep was named ‘Man of the Match’, while Amritpal Singh was adjudged ‘Player of the Tournament’.