There appeared to be no finish to the ‘sudden death’ in the remaining of the Hockey India thirteenth Senior National men’s championship right here on Tuesday.
A complete of 27 photographs had been taken in the shoot-out and sudden dying earlier than Punjab emerged the winner over defending champion Haryana by a 9-8 margin after the groups had been tied 2-2 at regulation time. This was Punjab’s fourth title in 13 editions.
There was little to decide on between the two groups as each performed sluggish, measured hockey, ready for the proper time to strike.
Towards the finish of first quarter, Punjab’s Sukhjeet Singh rolled one slowly and completely for Harjeet Singh to unleash a grand sweep into the internet. Haryana fought again via Sanjay, who struck his thirteenth purpose of the event, with a penalty nook strike that was angled effectively to the left aspect of the internet in the second quarter.
Punjab captain Harmanpreet Singh did what he does finest with a near-perfect penalty nook strike into the left nook of the roof in the third quarter. Haryana made fairly a few counter-attacks at the begin of fourth quarter, and it was rewarded quickly when an assault from the proper resulted in a purpose. Sanjay glided one previous ‘keeper Krishna Pathak off a short pass from Deepak.
It was neck and neck in sudden death as 17 shots were taken in total. After Dilpreet Singh of Punjab scored, the scoreboard read 8-8. Harmanpreet’s purpose was disallowed for it was scored after the whistle was blown.
Then, Abhishek was pushed by the Punjab custodian when he went for the shot, and a stroke was awarded for Haryana. Joginder Singh, who took the stroke, scored. However, it was disallowed because it was deemed to be a ‘tap’ and never a ‘push’.
Simranjeet Singh, who retook the penalty as his first one was deemed an infringement by the ‘keeper, scored much to the joy of Punjab. With a 9-8 lead, it was left to Haryana striker Sanjay to convert and take the match forward, but he hit it wide.
Earlier, Tamil Nadu bagged the bronze, defeating Karnataka in the third-place play-off match.
“I thought we would finish the match only in the morning (Wednesday),” joked Punjab captain Harmanpreet. “It was great winning for Punjab as I am playing for the State after quite a long time.”
Udhayanidhi Stalin, Tamil Nadu Sports Minister, gave away the prizes.
The outcomes (remaining): Punjab 2 (Harjeet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh) drew with Haryana 2 (Sanjay, Rajant). Punjab gained 9-8 by way of penalty shoot-out.