SAI men drub Chandigarh XI

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 14

Sports Authority of India (SAI), Lucknow, thrashed Chandigarh XI 5-2 in the opening match of the 55th Nehru Senior Hockey Tournament at the Sector 42 Sports Complex here on Wednesday. 

The visitors looked in command from the word go and took the lead in the 17th minute when Arun Sahani finished a brilliant run with a power-packed reverse flick. Uttam Singh doubled the lead five minutes later through another field goal. 

Chandigarh XI reduced the deficit through Rohit, who converted a penalty corner in the 45th minute. However, in the very next minute, SAI struck through Ajay Yadav to go 3-1 up.

The hosts though did not give up and continued with their efforts to draw level. The side finally succeeded when they earned a penalty stroke and Gaurav Tokhi converted it successfully to reduce the margin. 

As the hosts were looking to restore the parity, SAI struck through Iktidar Ishrat (62nd minute) and Shardanand Tiwari (68th minute) to seal the match 5-2.

On Thursday, Rail Coach Factory Kapurthala will face Mumbai XI.