The Tribune: Star-studded Punjab Police beat Air Force in opener
A star-studded Punjab Police faced a tough fight from Indian Air Force before pulling away to a 3-1 win in the first league fixture of the men’s section in the 34th Surjit Hockey Tournament here today. In the second match, holders Punjab National Bank (PNB) were held to a 1-1 draw by national champions Railways. In the women’s section, defending champions Western Railways thrashed CRPF 5-0.
Punjab Police, with the likes of India captain Manpreet Singh and forwards Ramandeep Singh and Akashdeep Singh playing in their ranks, took the lead in the 9th minute. Former India player Sarvanjit Singh scored after he was assisted by Ramandeep. In the 11th minute, Indian Air Force equalised through Sanjay.
Ramandeep restored Punjab Police’s lead in the 29th minute. He was assisted by former India player Dharamvir Singh. They doubled their lead in the 65th minute — this time Ramandeep returned the favour to Dharamvir, who also got his name on the scoresheet.
PNB came out all guns blazing with Sukhjit Singh scoring in the second minute. But Sheshe Gowda equalised from a penalty corner conversion in the 25th minute.
In the women’s match, Western Railways captain Pinky T scored a brace (17th and 43rd) through penalty corner conversions, while Sarita (35th), Anupa Barla (40th) and Chanchan Thokchom (47th) scored a goal each.