Delhi Wizards prevails over Lions

Poor turn out, average fare and teething problems on the organizational front made it a mediocre evening at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium as Delhi Wizards overcame Karnataka Lions 3-2.

The glitter was missing on the turf and the presence of a few international players failed to give the event the desired momentum.

India discard Rajpal Singh, Pakistan forward Shakeel Abbasi and Philip Sunkel of Germany brought some cheer for Delhi Wizards and the audience. Karnataka Lions, with veteran Arjun Halappa and a struggling Dhanraj Pillay managed to resist in patches. The contest as a competition fell much below expectations. Abbasi, of course, was an exception.

True to his words, Abbasi was remarkably committed. He played his heart out, created some innovative moves and, for good measure, contested a Karnataka Lions goal too.

That was serious stuff in the third quarter.

Standout moment

The standout moment of the evening was a solo run by Abbasi, beginning close to own circle and ending just outside the opponent’s. A pity the well-crafted move did not meet a successful conclusion.

After Vikramjeet Singh scored the first goal, Abbasi managed to connect with a lunging effort. Karnataka hit back through Jarnail Singh and Ravipal Singh but Rajpal, working hard, regained the lead for Delhi.

The Delhi leg of the league was inaugurate by the Union Sports minister Ajay Maken, who reiterated his support to the event.

“The WSH is a great initiative. I fully support it. The tournament will not only promote the game of hockey, but provide the players an opportunity to earn good money.”

The Sports Minister also expressed surprise at Hockey India raising the number of probables for the Olympics camp from 34 to 48.

The result: Delhi Wizards 3 (Vikramjeet Singh, Shakeel Abbasi, Rajpal Singh) bt Karnataka Lions 2 (Jarnail Singh, Ravipal Singh).