KSHA honours its champions

 The Karnataka State Hockey Association on Wednesday felicitated the State team for winning the IHF National championship for the very first time.

The team, led by drag-flicker Deepak Bijawad and coached by Ramesh Parmeshwaran, defeated Uttar Pradesh 3-1 in an exciting final in May. This was Karnataka second final appearance, even though it was a depleted field with many top teams affiliated to Hockey India staying away.

The entire team, including coach Parmeshwaran and manager Venkatesh, were presented Rs one lakh. Former KSHA president and current IHF chairman RK Shetty and owner of Chennai Cheetahs, a World Series Hockey team, LT Nanwani, too presented them with a cheque of Rs one lakh.

The KSHA also chose to share the spoils with Alexander (coach) and Gokulraj (manager), who guided the team during the zonal championships that acted as a qualifier for the Nationals.

Meanwhile, champions from the three leagues conducted by KSHA were also presented with cash prizes and trophies. Champions SAI ‘B’ (‘A’ Division), SAI ‘C’ (‘B’ Division) and and Hanuman Blessing Sports Club, Gadag (‘C’ Division) were awarded Rs 30,000 while runners-up Postal Hockey Academy (‘A’ Division), Young Stars Hockey Club, Hubli (‘B’ Division) and Rangers Hockey Club (‘C’ Division) were awarded Rs 20,000 for their effort.

Hanuman Blessing Sports Club received special mention for becoming the first champions from their district.