Defending champion Haryana dashed the hopes of host Orissa to snatch the national hockey title from them before their home crowd as they defeated Orissa 3-1in the 1st semifinal played at the sports hostel ground, Panposh. In another lack luster SF Jharkahand defeated U P 4-0 to set up title clash against Haryana.
Orissa Playing at the home turf and with the vocal support of the people played a spirited game against the formidable Haryana particularly in the first half. Haryana looked under threat from the continued attacks by host team. Orissa, along with mounting pressure on Haryana citadel also kept a close vigil on dangerous Rani. This tactic paid dividend and Orissa could establish a lead in the 12th minute of the play when Poonam Barla converted the team’s 2nd penalty corner into goal.
Shocked by this reversal Haryana tried to put pressure on Orissa but home team defenders did not allow them to create any scoring opportunities. But after the breather Haryana rejuvenated themselves and their dangerous trio Rani, Monica and Rajni started moving in tandem. On the other hand Orissa suddenly looked vulnerable and disorganized. Haryana earned second penalty corner in the 38th minute and Rajni’s rasping drive brought the parity for Haryana. Hereafter Haryana began playing their flowing hockey and strated making inroads in the Orissa territory. Rani gave her team the lead in 41st minute. This created panic in the home team and they looked short of ideas. Taking advantage of it Rajni scored the 3rd goal in 52nd minute and ensured her team’s progress into the finals.
Rushmita Tirkey and Anupama were the umpires.
In other SF match played the same ground Jharkhand ensured the repetition of the last edition’s final. They earned the right to play Haryana in the final by defeating U P 4-0. Jharkhand scored two goals in each half. Skipper Shabnam Lakra accounted for two goals ( 17th and 67th minutes), while Asha Kumari (21st minute) and Mukta Mundu (52nd minute) scored other two goals.
Rushmita Tirkey and Nidhi Gupta were the umpires.