Dec 04: Namdhari's victory in the tournament comes after a gap of 14 years. They won it in 1992 and were runners-up in the following year
Spirited Namdhari XI came from behind to level the scores in the regulation period and eventually winning the title of the Lal Bahadur Shastri hockey tournament defeating Punjab National Bank (PNB) 3-2 in the tie-breaker in the final played at the Shivaji Stadium here on Monday.
Namdharis' ended their 14-year title drought by claiming the championship for the second time as they last claimed the title in the year 1992. The match went into the tie-breaker after a 1-1 gridlock in the regulation time.
The first half saw some fine attacking hockey from the Namdhari's side but they could not succeed in their endeavors as they missed as many as seven short corners in the first half itself, while PNB players who initiated the attacks on counter moves changed the tactics in last ten minutes of the first half with a spell of assaults.
PNB's changed approach reaped benefits quite early as they got into lead in the opening minute of the second half through Yudhveer Singh whose reverse hit found the net after receiving a well-measured pass by Pramod Kumar from the left flank.
Namdhari XI restored parity in the 69th minute through Bachitar Singh forcing the match into the penalty strokes
Gurvinder Singh scored the decider for Namdhari XI by converting his side’s very last stroke. Amolak Singh and Sher Singh were the other scorers for the winner.
Gurcharan Singh and Harpal Singh stokres were finely saved by rival custodian Jasbeer Singh.
Yudhveer and Jatinder Saroha sounded the board in the first and last stroke taken by PNB. Gagan Preet Singh, Bikas Topo and Banmali penalty strokes were finely blocked by goalkeeper Harjinder Singh, who took his team to the doors of victory by performing exceptionally well under the post.
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