PANAJI
Goans Hockey and Delhi Hockey played out a 1-1 draw in the 12th Hockey India sub-junior men’s national championship played at Hockey Astro Turf, at Peddem Sports Complex, Mapusa, on Thursday. Later in the day, Chandigarh hammered Madhya Pradesh 6-1 while Manipur thrashed Hockey Himachal 12-4. In another lopsided contest, Hockey Punjab humbled Le Puducherry Hockey 25-0.
The first quarter started off with a goal for Delhi through Afridi as they displayed good skills, ball possession, and offence. Goa seemed to struggle with their offence but had a relaible defence and managed to keep Delhi away from entering their territory throughout the second quarter.
The third quarter had some good opportunities for both the sides but none could seize it. After a barren third quarter, Goa finally breached the Delhi defence in the fourth quarter when Anand Kumar got past the Delhi defence to score a great goal and level the tie. Delhi pressed for a winner and had their moments but couldn’t manage to find the Goa net for a second time.
The second match featured neck to neck action as Maharashtra took on Assam. The northeastern side opened their account through Swayam Gangurde but their lead didn't last long as the holdup possession play led to the Maharashtra finding the opening and scoring a goal to level the scoreboard.
A good second half showing put the Assam team on top once again with the Maharashtrian defence being exposed during counter attacks. A keenly fought second quarter ended with the Assamese team in the driver's seat leading 2-1. Cristiano Correa brought Maharashtra back in the game with an early goal in the third quarter. Late in the third quarter, captain Pradeep Reddy scored the decisive goal to put Maharashtra ahead and they held out for a win.
