Karnataka holds defending champion IOC in opener

A young and exuberant Karnataka team lit up the 89th all-India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup hockey tournament at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium here on Thursday in a Pool A match, holding the defending champion IOC to a 1-1 draw. Later, Army XI put up a majestic performance to crush IOB 6-0 to begin its campaign on a rousing note in Pool B.

Karnataka could not have asked for a better start against a team that has several former internationals in its ranks. Exhibiting fine dribbling skills, Karnataka upset IOC’s rhythm with good work from the wings. The Karnataka forward-line showed speed and ingenuity, but lacked the finishing touch, missing quite a few easy opportunities (including a penalty-stroke by Thimanna early in the first half).

Aware of IOC’s strong frontline, led by former India player Deepak Thakur, Karnataka stayed back and ensured it nullified the defending champion’s relentless push for much of the first half. Left-back Sanjeev Dung played a stellar role in intercepting many of IOC’s forays.

Karnataka opened its account through Machaiahpa, whose fierce shot hit the roof of the net. IOC equalised within a few minutes through captain Deepak. The forward sprinted from nowhere to flick the ball past the on-rushing goalkeeper Mahan Gowda.

The match was halted for a brief while towards the end of the second half after IOC goalkeeper Devesh Chauhan and Jagath Nachapa were injured in a minor collision.

Opening the floodgates

Johny Jasrotia opened the floodgates for Army with a neatly-placed drag-flick. Biraj Ekka converted one from a rebound off the goalkeeper’s pads after a penalty corner. Attacking relentlessly, Army XI pumped in four more goals in the second half, toying with IOB’s defence.

The best goal was arguably the one scored by Binoy Bhengra. Upon receiving the ball, he turned and drove powerfully into the roof of the net.

The results: Pool A: Karnataka 1 (Machaiahpa 49) drew with IOC 1 (Deepak Thakur 53); Pool B: Army XI 6 (Johny Jasrotia 19, Biraj Ekka 21, Binoy Bhengra 53, A.P. Siraju 54, Chandan Aind 64, Pawal Lakra 70) bt IOB 0.