Sangrur Academy retain title
Ludhiana
DEFENDING CHAMPIONS Sangrur Academy retained their title by defeating host Jarkhar Academy 3-1 in the final match of the 9th All-India Mata Surjit Kaur Hockey League which concluded at the Mata Sahib Kaur Stadium, Jarkhar, on Monday .
Sangrur Academy took an initial lead through a penalty corner conversion by Narinder Singh in the 7th minute. Sukhdeep Singh and Amarpreet scored one goal each in 52nd and 58th minute to seize the victory. The loan goal for host Jarkhar Academy came through the stick of Parabhpreet Singh in the 18th minute.
Earlier, in the semifinals, the Sangrur Academy defeated DAV Academy in the first semifinal 4-1. The Sangrur Academy took the lead in the 15th minute through a goal scored by Arjun Singh. Three minutes later, Sukhdeep Singh doubled the lead with a fine field goal. Parminder Singh made it 3-0 in the 52nd minute. DAV Academy scored a goal in the 55th minute to reduce the margin. In the 85th minute, the Sangrur Academy players struck again and enhanced the lead 4-1 through a field goal scored by Narinder Singh.
In the second semifinal, Jarkhar Academy drubbed Singhu Academy, Delhi, 3-2. The Jarkhar Academy opened their account in the 7th minute when Lovepreet Singh converted a penalty corner into goal. After changing ends, the Singhu Academy exerted full pressure upon their opponents and succeeded in scoring the equaliser in the 52nd minute through a field goal by Pardeep Singh. Balram Singh scored a goal in the 58th minute to take his team ahead. Jarkhar Academy levelled the score 2-2 through a goal by Ishmeet Singh in the 70th minute. Jarkhar Academy scored another goal with few seconds to go for the long whistle through Tejinder Pal Singh, which enabled them to secure a berth in the title clash match with the Sangrur Academy . Hira Singh Gabria, minister for jails, tourism and cultural activities in Punjab, awarded the winning team with trophy and a cash prize of Rs 16,000. Gabria also announced a grant of Rs 50,000 for Jarkhar Academy . Sukhbir Singh Badal of Jarkhar Academy was declared the player of the tournament while the fair play award was given to Singhu Academy, Delhi.