Hockey continues to enthrall spectators at 35th National Games

Kerala, 02 February 2015: The 35th National Games witnessed four back to back hockey matches and showcased some great talent amongst the young eves who showcased the hunger to win in their clashes against the opponents. Great stick work and seamless coordination on the field ensured that the spectators had an entertaining day at the New Hockey Stadium, Kollam (Kerala). In the four matches played today, Punjab defeated Jharkhand 2-1, Maharashtra trounced Uttar Pradesh 3-0, Haryana eves crushed Karnataka 9-2 and Odisha overcame Kerala 3-0.

In the first match of the day, Jharkhand women scored the opening goal against Punjab as early as in the 16th minute into the game when Etwari successfully converted a penalty corner. In the second half, Punjab made a comeback with a field goal when Anuradha Thokchom made no mistake in finding the nets in the 36th minute and helping her team level the score. Realising that they had an edge on the situation, Punjab maintained the pressure on Jharkhand and in the 48th minute Punjab through Reena Rani converted a penalty corner. The goal helped Punjab win the match by 2-1.

The second game saw absolute dominance of Maharashtra Women over Uttar Pradesh as they crushed Uttar Pradesh 3-0 to win the match. Jameela Bano scored the initial goal for Maharashtra in the dying minutes of the first half giving her side a lead of 1-0. In the second half, Vidyarthi Kavitha scored a stupendous field goal in the 53rd minute closely followed by a penalty corner goal by Rijuta Kumar in the 66th minute.  With an insurmountable lead of 3-0, Maharashtra women registered a triumph over Uttar Pradesh.

The third match between Haryana and Karnataka witnessed Haryana eves thrashing Karnataka for a 9-2 win. The first goal for Haryana came in as early as in the 2nd minute of the game from the stick of Monica Dahiya followed by another goal from her in the 5th minute, both being penalty corner conversions. Monica Dahiya and Preeti of Haryana struck thrice to score for their team, with their efforts being soared up by Devika Sen who scored two goals and Nicky who scored one goal to give Haryana an unsurpassable lead over Karnataka. Ranjitha and Niha of Karnataka scored a goal each for their team. The final scores stood at 9-2, announcing a well deserved win for Haryana women.

The last match for the day between Odisha and Kerala saw the visiting team defeating the hosts 3-0. Nil Projitha Majhi scored the opening goal for Odisha just 2 minutes into the game. Maintaining the pressure Odisha scored their second goal when Ambika Toppo flawlessly converted a penalty corner into a goal in the 28th minute. Moully Yadav scored the third goal of the game for Odisha in the 69th minute.  At the blow of the final whistle, the scoreboard showed a score of 3-0, declaring Odisha the winners of the game.

HI Press release