Satish Sharma

ROURKELA:(23-12-09) Sambalpur University ultimately became successful in its quest of maiden victory in All India Inter Zonal-Inter University hockey championship. Today in the summit clash held at the Biju Patnaik hockey stadium they defeated Guru Nanak Dev University (Amritsar) by a solitary goal. The all important goal came in the 39th minute of second half when Amulya Minz sent a cross into goal which he recieved from right side.

Earlier in 2004 Samabalpur had been able to reach in the finals but had to satisfy with runners up trophy as they lost to M.G.Kashividyapeetha, Varanasi in the finals. Host team was expected to win the match comfortably but surpprisingly they missed a number of chances including 8 penalty corners.

Sambalpur held the sway in the match for the major part of the game but they repeatedly failed to convert the chances into goals. GNDU defenders and custodian proved tough nut to crack. GNDU adopted defensive tactics from the beginning and executed their plan successfully. Their forwards did not make serious attempts at rival goal mouth.

After the barren first half Sambalpur showed little more urgency in their attacks which bore fruit in 39th minute. A good piercing cross shot was received by unmarked Amulya Minz and he did not make any mistake in sending the ball into the goal which proved the match winner for Sambalpur University.

RajuKant Saini and Amulya Behera were the umpires.

Earlier in the hardline match M.G.Kashi Vidyapeetha, Varansi defeated Kurukhestra University 3-2 to claim the third place in the tournament.Sunil Sonkar (14th minute), Deepak Yadav (44th minute) and Harikesh Pratap Singh (50th minute) scored for Varanasi while Naveen Kumar ((42nd minute) and Harmeet Singh (48th minute) scored for Kurukhestra.

Akram Khan and Bijay Lakra were umpires in the match.

Sukhram Munda of Sambalpur was declared the player of the match.Sourav Singh and Amulya Minz also of Samabalpur team were declared best goal keeper and forward respectively. Gouravjeet Singh of GNDU received the best defender award.

Mr.Sarada Prasad Nayak , Food and Civil Supply Minister of Orissa was the chief guest on the concluding day and he distributed the trophies and prizes to the teams and the players.