Jalandhar: Punjab National Bank, Delhi clinched the title of 33rd Indian Oil Servo Surjit Hockey Tournament for the Very first time by beating Army XI by 6-5 through penalty shootouts sudden death at Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium, here this evening.

At the end of stipulated time both teams were locked at 1-1 and in penalty shootouts both teams were draw by 3-3. The winners bagged Rs 5 Lakh and Trophy and Runners Up bagged Rs 2.50 Lakh and Trophy from the chief Guest. Gagandeep Singh (jr) of Punjab National Bank declared best player of the tournament, he bagged Rs 25000 and Trophy from the organizers. Sohan Singh Thandal, Cabinet Minister, Punjab announced Rs 5 Lakh grant to the Surjit Hockey Society.

The final match was played in very fast note. Both teams made some good moves. In the first half of the game both teams wasted two penalty corners each. At half time match was goalless.

In the second half’s 53rd minute Punjab national Bank’s Captain Shivdeep netted the ball after dodging goalkeeper of Army XI (1-0). After two minutes equalizer comes from the stick of Ramandeep Singh from the pass of Robin (1-1). At the end of stipulated time both teams were locked at 1-1.

The decision of the match came from penalty shootouts. In penalty shootouts for Punjab National Bank Arjun Antil, Shivdeep and Gagandeep Singh (sr) scored where as for Army XI Vishwa Thakur, Rajnish and Binay (4-4) After penalty Shootouts sudden death rule applied. In sudden death For Punjab national Bank Arjun Antil and Gagadeep Singh (sr) scored where as for Army XI Vishwa Thakur scored but Rajnish Salaria missed the golden chance (6-5)

S. Sohan Singh Thandal, Jail and Tourism Minister Punjab honoured Surjit Hockey Society’s senior members with Life Time Achievement Awards. The awardees were Col Manmohan Singh, Ram Partap, Baldev Singh Randhawa, Lakhwinderpal Singh Khaira, Narinderpal Singh Judge, Amrik Singh Powar, Tarsem Singh Powar, N. K Aggarwal, Randeep Gupta, Sukhwinder Singh Lally.

Courtesy: www.surjithockey.com