The Tribune: PNB win Surjit hockey title

By Rachna Khaira

Punjab National Bank, Delhi, beat Army XI (6-5) in sudden death to win the 33rd Surjit Hockey Tournament at Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium here today.

The first half was a goalless affair. PNB captain Shivdeep netted the ball in the 53rd minute to give his team a 1-0 lead, but armyman Ramandeep Singh equalised the score (1-1) in the 55th minute.

At the end of the stipulated time, both the teams were locked 1-1. In the penalty shootouts, Arjun Antil, Shivdeep and Gagandeep Singh (Sr) scored for PNB while Vishwa Thakur, Rajnish and Binay converted for Army XI to make it 4-4.

In the sudden-death shootout, Arjun Antil and Gagandeep Singh (Sr) scored for PNB. For Army XI, Vishwa Thakur scored but Rajnish Salaria missed his shot.

Winners Punjab National Bank bagged a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh and a trophy, while the runners-up received Rs 2.50 lakh and a trophy. Gagandeep Singh (Jr) of Punjab National Bank was declared the best player of the tournament.