Satish Sharma
ROURKELA: Host Sambalpur University lifted the East Zone Inter Universty Hockey trophy which concluded here on 9th December. In a tournament played on the round robin league basis Sambalpur finished at the top of the table with a tally of 7 points.
Last year’s champions M.G.Kashividyapeetha, Varanasi had to content with 2nd position with 6 points. VBS Purvanchal University, Jaunpur remained at third spot with 4 points while Ranchi University failed to get even a single point in the 4 team round robin league tournament.
On the concluding day (9th December) Kashividyapeetha , Varanasi in their last match routed Ranchi University 10-0 played at the sports hostel ground, Panposh (Rourkela). Varansai were 4-0 at the breather. For Kashividyapeetha Sunil Kumar (4th, 11th, 32nd) , Md.Javed Ali (21st, 38th, 42nd) and Harikesh Pratap Singh (35th, 46th, 48th) scored three goals each. Abhishek Singh scored the 10th goal in 29th minute off a penalty corner.
Amulya Behera and S.Toppo were the umpires.
In the last match of the tournament host team met VBS Purvanchal University, Jaunpur. Before the start of the match it was being considered a formality match but it turned out opposite of it. Jaunpur made a hesitant beginning but Sambalpur’s lethargic approach allowed them to take control of the match. After some time Sambalpur looked struggling against the Jaunpur team.
The goal less first half gave confidence to them and they launched a series of attacks on Sambalpur’s citadel after the change over of sides. The continued attacks bore fruit for Purvanchal team in 41st minute as Imran Khan converted a goal off a move initiated from the left side. It stunned the host team. Purvanchal could have increased their tally had they not wasted two good scoring opportunities.
Sambalpur regrouped itself and made some serious efforts to level the score. Irshad MirzA with some his solo brilliant moves brought back Sambalput in attacking mode. And just before three minute of the final hooter Irshad Mirza leveled the score by scoring a beautiful goal with powerful reverse hit from top of the D of left side. The draw enabled Sambalpur to increase its tally to 7 points.
Rajukant Saini and Bijay Lakra. Were the umpires.
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Former Olympian Micheal Kindo was the chief guest on the concluding day and he handed the trophies to the teams .
It is note worthy here that Rourkela will also be organizing the All India University Hockey Tournament at the Biju Patnaik Hockey stadium, Rourkela from 18th to 23rd December.