Hosts UP retain U-14 ‘Babu’ hockey trophy

Defending champions Uttar Pradesh defeated Bhiwani, Haryana by 7-1 in the final to retain the winner’s trophy in the Balrampur Chini All India KD Singh ‘Babu’ Sub-Junior Invitation Hockey Tournament at Dhyanchand astro-turf stadium, Lucknow on Wednesday.

The score at half-time was 3-0 in favour of the victors. On behalf of UP, Ikhtidar Ishrat (2 goals— in the 14th minute, in the 47th minute), Dharmender Yadav (2 goals— in the 45th through penalty-corner and 50th minute), Vishal Singh (5th minute; through penalty-stroke), Gopi Sonkar (34th minute) and Vidhan Patel (49th minute) sounded the boards.

On behalf of Bhiwani, Piyush netted a goal in the 65th minute but by that time it was too late to make amends. In the match played to decide the third place holders, Gurusahib Singh and Simranjit Singh scored two goals each while Ravinder Singh netted a apiece as Cheema Academy beat Jalandhar by 5-0.

Abhay Kumar Singh, CGM State Bank of India, Lucknow circle gave away the prizes to the winners. While Uttar Pradesh boys became richer by Rs 25,000 for their efforts, runners-up Bhiwani were awarded a prize money of Rs 20,000. Cheema Academy got Rs 15,000 for bagging the third spot. Hockey Olympians Syed Ali and Sujeet Singh and Arjuna awardee Ranveer Singh (volleyball) and son of KD Singh ‘Babu’— Kunwar Dhirendra Singh also graced the occasion.

The tournament is organised every year by the KD Singh ‘Babu’ Memorial Society and the final is played on February 2—the birth anniversary of hockey giant KD Singh ‘Babu’.