UP men notch up maiden win in hockey nationals
LUCKNOW: Finally, last year’s bronze medallist and hosts Uttar Pradesh made their presence felt at the 6th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship ‘A’ Division at Saifai on Friday, when they crushed Mumbai Hockey Association by 5-0.
A win in the match was very much required for the side, which had to split points with Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy in their opening match on Tuesday, when their matched ended in 2-2 draw. Friday’s win helped them take their points tally to three in two matches. Now, they have to win their next match against All India Universities on Saturday to stay alive for a berth in the knockout.
Led by former India goalkeeper Devesh Chauhan, UP men outplayed Mumbai rivals in almost all the departments and scored goals on regular intervals. They were leading by 2-0 at the break.
Vikas Sharma drew the first blood in the 22nd minute with a field goal from the right flank (1-0). Within 10 minutes time, drag-flicker Diwakar Ram converted a penalty corner take the score to 2-0 in the 32nd minute.
Things didn’t change much even after a change in the ends and UP men continued to dominate. Sonu Kumar struck a field goal in the 41st minute to make the score 3-0, before Sunil Yadav converting a penalty corner in the 56th minute to make it 4-0. A minute before the hooter, Ajay Yadav completed the formality in style, scoring a field goal after dodging a bunch of rival defenders (5-0).
Earlier, in the day All India Universities mauled Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy 6-0. Kanwarjeet Singh and cap- tain Harsahib Singh shared four goals between t hem, whereas Navjot Singh and Gurjinder Singh netted a goal each.