It was Sports Authority of India ‘D’ all the way as they defeated Synergy Sports 5-1 in the final to clinch the State ‘C’ Division hockey title at the KSHA stadium here on Wednesday.

SAI, who were in attacking mode all through the game, hardly let their rivals take control of the game. The winners opened their account through Poonacha in the ninth minute of the match. Six minutes later, Poonacha struck again to make it 2-0 for SAI.

Nayeemuddin swelled the tally for SAI with his 22nd-mintue effort.

Rahul gave Synergy a ray of hope when he found the target in the 23rd minute. There were a few more chances that came Synergy’s way but they were not able to capitalise on them. Naveen Kumar Manu Patil scored the fourth goal for SAI in the 43rd minute, while Nayeemuddin completed the tally with a 47th-minute strike.
Sachin of Kodava Samaja emerged as the top scorer in the league with 17 goals, including two hat-tricks.

Nayeemuddin was the second-highest scorer with 14 goals.

Both finalists have been promoted to next year’s ‘B’ Division league.

Young Stars from Hubli were given the fair play trophy.