JOIN USDefending champions Air India Sports Promotion Board retained their title after beating Comptroller & Auditor General of India 4-1 in the final of the fourth Hockey India Senior Men’s National Championship (Division A) here on Sunday.
Gaganpreet Singh was the star of the show for Air India, firing in a hat-trick while Osaf ur Rahman netted the fourth goal. Air India led 2-0 at half-time.
Air India was high on confidence from the start as Gaganpreet pounded the ball to the net for the first goal of the match following a penalty corner in the 14th minute. Gaganpreet again converted a penalty corner to make it 2-0 in the 29th minute.
In the second half, Air India maintained the momentum and did not give CAG any opportunity to take over the play. Four minutes into the session, Gaganpreet completed his hat-trick to peg back CAG further.
CAG then reduced the margin through Dhyan Singh in the 59th minute before Osaf completed the tally with Air India’s fourth goal.
Earlier, hosts Uttar Pradesh overcame Railway Sports Promotion Board 4-2 to claim the third position in the championship.Tushar Khandker, Diwakar Ram (2) and Amir Khan scored for UP. Belasajar Horo scored both the goals for Railways.
Railways champsRailways shocked defending champions Haryana 4-0 to clinch the Senior Women National Championship (Division A) in Bhopal
Vandana Katariya, who has been impressive throughout the tournament, opened the scoring for Railways in the 25th minute before Th Chanchan made it 2-0 just a minute before half-time.Haryana’s hopes of comeback were dashed quickly upon resumption as Poonam Rani put Railways 3-0 ahead. Vandana then completed the formalities with a fine strike in the 42nd minute as Railways galloped home.