Shivam’s hat-trick takes UP Hockey to a dream final
After beating Haryana 4-0, Uttar Pradesh now aim to beat Hockey Odisha
LUCKNOW: For the last 10 years since the inception of the Hockey India, which replaced the then Indian Hockey Federation in 2009, Uttar Pradesh Hockey have been dreaming for a podium finish, but to no avail.
But this time, they are set to finish on podium as a superb hattrick by Shivam Anand helped them crush Haryana 4-0 to make it to the final of the 9th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship 2019 (A Division) at Aurangabad on Wednesday.
On Thursday at 3.00 p.m. in final, now they take on Hockey Odisha, which knocked down Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy 4-2 in penalty shoot-out after the two teams ended in a goalless draw at the end of the regulation time.
Shivam struck three goals in the final quarter of the 60-minute duel, at the Sports Authority of India Campus as Uttar Pradesh dominated the proceedings from the very first minute. In 2018 edition, Uttar Pradesh had sixth place finish in 20 teams A Division. After some initial good tackling of ball, Haryana found the going tough, especially when Ajay Yadav sounded the board with an angular shot in the 26th minute (1-0). But thereafter, Haryana once again laid a strong defence to keep UP men away from their post in the third quarter.
But it was altogether a different Uttar Pradesh side in the game in the final quarter of the second semi-final. Shiva, who was running like a well-oiled machine, had his first goal in the 48th minute (2-0). Four minutes later, he struck his second goal and this time from the left flank (3-0), before darting the ball into the post for one last time in the 58th minute to complete his maiden hat-trick in the event.
Besides showing a fine display of stick-work in the forward line, Uttar Pradesh ensured their defence was top-notch which rarely allowed Hockey Haryana forwards to penetrate into their striking circle.
Earlier, in the first semi-final, Prakash Dhir, Laban Lugun, Sunit Lakra and skipper Krishna Tirkey scored for the Hockey Odisha in the shoot-out. Goalkeeper Dhanraj Hemam did well to keep the Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy strikers at bay. Only Haider Ali and Sundram Rajawat breached his defence to score in the shoot-out. His fine goalkeeping skills ensured his team secured a 4-2 win.
Before the final on Thursday, Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy will play against Hockey Haryana in the bronze medal match at 1.00 p.m.
UP XI IN FINAL
UP XI and South Central Railway (Secunderabad) made it to the final of the All India Padma Shri Mohd Shahid Memorial Hockey Tournament, scoring identical wins at Varanasi on Wednesday.
In the first semi-final played at the Lalpur Astro Turf Stadium, UP XI defeated ONGC (Delhi) 2-1.
Roshan Kumar scored in the 28th minute, whereas Ehtesham netted in the 58th minute.
Dhananjay scored the consolation goal for ONGC in the 60th minute.
In the second semifinal, South Central Railway defeated CAG Delhi also by 2-1.
Gurmej Singh scored in the 27th minutes, whereas SS Gowda netted in the 40th minute. SS Bundela scored the only goal for the CAG.
Final starts at 2.30 p.m. on Thursday, but before that ONGC take on SCR in the hardline match at 11.00 a.m.