VHA ‘B’ DIVISION LEAGUE

HOCKEY

Maiden title for Chhota Nagpur

Pragmatic Club Lose Final By Two Goals

Nagpur: The festival of lights Diwali is still three days away but Chhota Nagpur celebrated it in advance on Saturday evening when they presented themselves with a maiden crown of the VHA ‘B’ Division Hockey League.

In an exciting final played at Hislop College ground, Chhota Nagpur defeated Pragmatic Club by two goals to nil to complete their dream run in the competition. Even before the final hooter, the supporters of Martin Nagar-based Chhota Nagpur side started celebrating the triumph by bursting crackers.

Towards the final few minutes, particularly after Chhota Nagpur slammed their second goal, the players hardly concentrated on their moves as they were already in a mood to celebrate.

The final started on a rousing note for Chhota Nagpur when David Tete put his side ahead in the very third minute of the play. The prolific scorer caught the Pragmatic defence completely unawares even before they settled down in the match.

Stunned by the early reversal, Pragmatic tried hard throughout the match but in vain. Young forwards Deepak Gautam, Amir Sheikh and Nishant Thakur came close to scoring on more than two occasions but failed to beat Chhota Nagpur goalkeeper Binin Kumar.

Jiwandan Majhi, who emerged as the highest scorer of the tournament, closed the match by firing the late goal. His rasping drive from the top of the circle gave no chance to Pragmatic custodian Abhilash Shende in the 58th minute.

Chhota Nagpur coach was ecstatic after the match and attributed the success to their striking duo of Jiwandan Majhi and David Tete. “Both played really well in all the matches and we were confident of emerging champions even before the final. The others players too backed them well,” said Phuijens Tirkey.

Chhota Nagpur received Apna Bhandar Trophy besides Rs 11000, while runnersup Pragmatic Club got richer by Rs 7000. The ‘Fair Play Trophy’ was bagged by Young Police Boys.