The Tribune: Punjab Police champs after 17 years

Rachna Khaira

India strikers Ramandeep Singh and Akashdeep Singh struck crucial goals to help Punjab Police defeat ONGC and win the Surjit Hockey Tournament after a gap of 17 years.

Punjab Police, who last won the title in 2000 and reached the final in 2004, beat first-time finalists ONGC 2-1 in the final here today. Both the teams started nervously, wasting crucial scoring opportunities in the first five minutes.

However, Ramandeep struck in the 16th minute to give Punjab Police the lead. This boosted their confidence and Punjab Police — who recruited Manpreet Singh, Akashdeep, Ramandeep, Sarvanjit Singh, Gurwinder Singh Chandi and Dharamvir Singh as DSPs earlier this year — started making continuous forays into the rival third. However, it took Punjab Police till the 48th minute to get the second goal, Akashdeep giving his team a cushion.

A thrilling battle ensued in the next few minutes as ONGC desperately searched for a goal. Diwakar Ram scored in the 65th minute but it was too late for ONGC to make a comeback into the game. This is Punjab Police’s sixth title – they also won the tournament in 1985, 1986, 1995, 1997 and 2000.