Punjab clinch 2nd Hockey India Junior National Championship trophy

LUCKNOW, September 9, 2012: Punjab staged a remarkable second half rally to defeat Odisa 4-3 to win the 2nd Hockey India Junior Men National Championship at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium here on Sunday. Odisha, who led 3-1 at the break, had to be content with the runners-up slot for the second year running.

Watched by Hockey India selectors Col. Balbir Singh, Thoiba Singh and Syed Ali were also present, Punjab took lead in the 10th minute with a penalty corner goal by Gurjinder Singh. Two minutes later Odisha equalised the score through a field goal scored by Bikash Kujur.  Alsem Lakra (25th minute) and Amonmirash Tirkey (27th minute) put Odisha ahead 3-1.

Punjab made a comeback in the 38th minute with a goal by Akashdeep Singh. In the 55th minute Punjab leveled the score with the penalty corner successfully converted by Gurjinder Singh. Three minutes later Mandeep Singh scored the winning goal.

Odisha’s forward Amonmirash Tirkey was declared player of the tournament.

It was a result of good team coordination and all the boys played as per the strategy planned by our coach. Although opponents put us under pressure in the first half game and but we tried our best to make comeback which resulted in our victory. Gurjinder also performed well and his game helped us to win this championship said Satvir Singh, Captain of Punjab Team.

Haryana beat Sai Bhopal by 2-0 to win the third place play-off. Naveen and Gurjant Singh were the goal scorers.

Uttar Pradesh Minister for Sports Ram Karan Arya gave away the trophy to the Punjab team. Hockey India Interim President Mrs. Mariamma Koshy presented the runners-up trophy to Odisha.

Photo caption: Jubilant Punjab players pose for a photograph with championships trophy in Lucknow on September 9, 2012.

- Hockey Indian Press release