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All the news for Monday 20 October 2014

India retains Sultan of Johor Cup 2014

s2h Team



Helped by a last gasp penalty corner conversion by ever-reliable Harmanpreet Singh, India successfully defended its Sultan of Johor Cup today at Johor Bahru in Malaysia today.

It was Harmanpreet Singh's second goal, off just two penalty corners, over all ninth goal.

Harmanpreet fittingly earned Top scorer and best player of the tournament awards

In a tight game, teams opened up only in the second half, all goal coming therein. India maintained its good penalty corner conversion rate, today making use of two of three.

Where as it was one out of two for the losing GB.

The victory is a sweet revenge for India, as it lost 0-2 to GB in the league. In defending a GB attack, Indian goalie Abhinav gets hurt on his chest, and delays getting ready, get a green. Coach harendra deploys substitute goalie Subodh to ward off the challenge in the 65th minute.

Great Britain also converted the lone penalty corner it got - rather gifted by India outside circle area, to level score 1-1.

GB also got another penalty conrer at the 58th minute, but Indian goalie Abhinav palmed it away. Harmanpreet SIngh, who struck double hattrick, rose to occasion today, converted first penalty corner of the match in the 46th minute. India 1 GB 0 at 46h min

India and Great Britain goalless 0-0 at half time of Final match of the Sultan of Johor Cup. Both teams play cautiously, the match did not even see a single penalty corner in the first 35 minutes.

Fair play award: New Zealand
Top scorer: Harmanpreet Sinh 9 goals
Best goalie : GB's Garry Gibson
Promising player: Harjeet Singh of India
Player of the tournament: Harmanpreet Singh

India's road to victory
Beat New Zealand 2-1 lost to GB 0-2

Beat Pakistan 5-1

beat Australia 6-2

Beat GB 2-1 in the final

Stick2Hockey.com

Harmanpreet scores last-minute winner as India retain Sultan of Johor Cup



The score was 1-1. There were 45 seconds for the final hooter. India earned a penalty corner. Imagine the kind of pressure on the young shoulders of Harmanpreet Singh.

But the Indian junior team was the defending champion for a reason. Singh, riding high on two consecutive hat-tricks against Malaysia and Australia, kept his calm and converted the corner to hand India a 2-1 over Great Britain in the fourth Sultan of Johor Cup final at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, on Sunday. India, thus, defended their title, and became the first team to win the cup twice since its inception in 2011.

The game was evenly contested right from the start. Both India and Great Britain went on the attack, but some smart goalkeeping from both ends made sure none got the early advantage. Indian goalkeeper Abhinav Pandey, in particular, saved some crucial attempts from the Brit boys. The attacking style from both teams continued, but so did the deadlock, and the score remained 0-0 at the end of the first half.

The second half saw both teams upping the ante. India earned their first penalty corner in the 46th minute, and Singh made no mistake in converting it to give the defending champions the all-important lead. However, Great Britain struck 10 minutes later, courtesy another penalty corner conversation by Samuel French to make it 1-1.

Both teams then went all out for the winner, and just when it looked like the game was heading for a penalty shoot-out, Singh struck the golden goal.

"I feel elated with pride and joy to see this young brigade retaining the title. This team has shown immense potential to emerge as the one of the best teams in the world with the kind of class and dignity they have played with today (Sunday)," coach Harendra Singh said.

This title comes days after the senior men's team brought home the Asian Games gold medal.

Top scorer of the tournament: Harmanpreet Singh (9 goals)
Player of the tournament: Harmanpreet Singh
Most promising player of the tournament: Harjeet Singh

DNA

India juniors retain Sultan of Johor Cup title


India’s junior hockey team savours the moment of victory in the Sultan of Johor Cup on Sunday. Tribune photos

JOHOR BAHRU (Malaysia): Harmanpreet Singh converted two penalty corners to help India sucessfully defend its Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) U-21 hockey title, beating Great Britain 2-1 in a keenly-contested final on Sunday.

Harmanpreet (45th and 90 minutes) slammed home two set pieces at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium to take his goals tally to eight in the tournament. For Great Britain Samuel French (55th minute) was the lone goal scorer.

Great Britain, unbeaten in the preliminary round, came into the final with a psychological advantage over India having beaten them 2-0 in their round-robin clash.

But defending champions India had a record to play for as they wanted to be the first team to win the title twice since the inception of SOJC in 2011.

Malaysia had won the inaugural title with Germany winning in 2012 and India last year. And the young Indians duely achieved their goal with a late winner from Harmanpreet.

Harmanpreet scored his second and the all-important winner for India with just 45 seconds from time by converting his second penalty corner of the day.

It was a hard-fought encounter between India and Great Britain as both the teams did not give an inch to each other atleast in the opening half.

But India finally took the lead in the 45th minute through a Harmanpreet's penalty corner conversion. Varun Kumar then got a chance to double India's lead but his attempt from a penalty corner in the 53rd flew inches wide.

Great Britain then added salt to India's wound when French converted a penalty corner in the 55th minute to level scores at 1-1.

A controversy then erupted in the 62nd minute when Indian custodian Abhnav Pandey was shown the green card and an outfield player was taken off to bring on substitute keeper Subodh Tirkey.

With the match heading towards a shot-off, India were awarded another penalty corner just 45 seconds from the hooter and Harmanpreet duly convert the chance to help India retain the title.

In the bronze medal play-off earlier in the day, Australia defeated New Zealand 6-2 to finish third.

Hockey India president Narinder Batra congratulated the colts for their terrific achievement.

"Similar to the Indian men's national team at the 17th Asian Games, the Indian junior team too has brought us pride by winning the Sultan of Johor Cup for the second time and given us yet another reason to celebrate the laurels they have brought home today," he said.

"I would like to congratulate all the players and coach Harendra Singh along with all the members of the support staff on this proud moment and wish them all the luck for their future endeavours."

Speaking on winning the fourth Sultan of Johor Cup title, junior men's team Harendra said: "I feel elated with pride and joy to see this young brigade retaining the title today.

"It was anyone's game after the scores were tied in the 56th minute. This team has shown immense potential to emerge as the one of the best teams in the world with the kind of class and dignity they have showed today. Our aim was to concentrate on the interception and keeping the possession of the ball as well as keeping a composed attitude. I am proud to see that the team worked on the exact framework and preserved the title."

The Times of India

India defeat for GB U21 Men


GB U21 Men v India

GREAT Britain Under-21 Men were narrowly beaten in the final of the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia, with rivals India scoring in the dying seconds of the match to successfully defend their title.

Unbeaten heading into the match, GB had high hopes of repeating their two-nil victory over India in the group stages. However, missed chances cost Great Britain dear as they were caught out by an alert India side.

“I’m extremely proud of the performances and the way the lads have played throughout the tournament, but bitterly disappointed that we couldn’t bring home the gold medal,” said Head Coach Jon Bleby. “The lads should reflect that this is the start of something big for them and working hard for the future.”

After an evenly fought first half, it was India who drew first blood. GB had lost their shape, India forced a penalty corner, and Hermanpreet Singh scored the 46th minute effort.

GB pressured well in search of an equaliser, and it came in the 55th minute as they span at the top of the circle and Birmingham University’s Sam French put the ball into the net.

The match appeared to be heading for stalemate but with just 14 seconds remaining India were awarded another penalty corner, and Singh was on target once again to spark celebrations.

Fixtures for the 2014 Sultan of Johor Cup

England Hockey Board Media release

Australia win bronze

Australian U21 men defeat New Zealand in bronze medal final at SOJC

The Australian U21 men concluded their 2014 Sultan Johor Cup campaign, claiming the bronze medal after defeating New Zealand in the finals Sunday night.

After staggered results throughout the tournament, Australia were able to successfully bounce back with a bronze medal performance after being defeated by Great Britain and India last week.

The green and gold dominated the first half of the match, creating themselves opportunities and taking control of the ball possession after the starting whistle.

Simon Benetti broke the ice to give the Australians the lead in the 14th minute, scoring from a field goal. And just 60 seconds later he doubled his, and Australia’s, tally; 2-0 after 15 minutes.

A brotherly duo saw Western Australia’s James Benetti follow the footsteps of his twin brother Simon, extending Australia’s lead to 3-0 after successfully scoring at the 25th minute mark.

Shortly before the half time whistle, New South Wales' Benjamin Craig got in on the act, sending the ball into the back of the net after being awarded a penalty corner in the 28th minute. Craig’s goal had Australia in front with a 4-0 lead at the break.

In the second half, New Zealand’s Kim Kingstone took advantage of an opportunity just minutes after half time, breaking the Kiwis’ drought, 4-1.

The Aussies held strong defensive structures however, the Junior Black Sticks struck again in the 52nd minute. At the top of the circle, Trevor Garrett stepped up to take a penalty corner, halving the deficit to 4-2.

Australia, determined and eager to finish atop of their opponents, had Andrew Scanlon take advantage of a penalty corner, followed by a field goal from Captain Will Gilmour in the 64th and 69th minutes. On target, the Australian pair’s goals helped defeat New Zealand 6-2, claiming Australia 18 bronze medals.

Recognised as a key player after an outstanding performance on the field Sunday night, Western Australia’s Simon Benetti was awarded player of the match.

Meanwhile, the gold medal final had India knock Great Britain from claiming the gold medal title, after defeating the Brits in a close 2-1 victory.

AUSTRALIA: 6 (4)
Simon Benetti 14,15 (FG) (FG)
James Benetti 25 (FG)
Benjamin Craig 28 (PC)
Andrew Scanlon 64 (PC)
Will Gilmour 69 (FG) 

NEW ZEALAND: 2 (0)
Kim Kingstone 37 (FG)
Trevor Garrett 52 (PC) 

Australia Under 21 Squad v New Zealand
Started
Benjamin Austin (TAS)
Simon Benetti (WA)
Joshua Bretherton (VIC)
Benjamin Craig (NSW)
William Gilmour (VIC)
Timothy Howard (QLD)
Samuel Liles (NSW)
Alec Rasmussen (WA)
Andrew Scanlon (VIC)
Nathanael Stewart (NSW)
Hayden Walker (WA)

Used substitute
James Benetti (WA)
Oliver Crane (QLD)
Maximilian Hendry (VIC)
Brandan Horner (NSW)
Ryan Proctor (NSW)
Ashleigh Thomas (NSW)

Did not play
Frazer Gerrard (WA)

Sultan of Johor Cup final placings
Gold - India
Silver - Great Britain
Bronze - Australia
4 - New Zealand
5 - Malaysia
6 - Pakistan

Hockey Australia media release

Future Black Sticks fourth at Sultan of Johor Cup



The Future Black Sticks Men (Under 21s) have finished fourth at the Sultan of Johor Cup after being well beaten 6-2 by Australia.

The Burras rocketed out to a 4-0 first half lead with the Kiwis helpless to stem the flow of goals.

New Zealand lifted the intensity in the second half and pulled one back through a Kim Kingstone field goal.

The Future Black Sticks won their fair share of penalty corners but were only able to put one away with Trevor Garrett flicking into the top left corner.

In search of something special, the Kiwis substituted their goalkeeper but the move didn’t work with Australia putting away a further two goals to take home the bronze medal.

Meanwhile, India defended their Sultan of Johor Cup title with a 2-1 win over previously undefeated Great Britain.

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Players ‘coach’ themselves to a win

By Jugjet Singh

NATIONAL coach Arul Selvaraj let his team loose for 24 hours, and they dished out a much better performance to beat Pakistan 3-1 to finish fifth in the Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) at the Taman Daya Stadium yesterday.

In the final, India defeated Britain 2-1 to lift their inaugural SOJC title.

After a 2-2 draw against Pakistan in their pool match on Saturday, the coach asked his players to hold their own discussions and formulate their own plans to face Pakistan again in the fifth-sixth classification match.

“Summing up the tournament, we had two draws (2-2 against Pakistan and 1-1 against New Zealand) and one win today (yesterday) and considering that we did not lose by big margins to finalists Britain (2-1) and India (4-2) I feel it was not a bad outing,” said Arul. “Considering how close we were to playing in the bronze medal playoff, I told the boys that they must now plan on their own on how to beat Pakistan and finish fifth. They held their own meeting, and even during the game, I let them loose and did not coach them much today (yesterday) and they showed they can play.”

Malaysia took a 3-0 lead against Pakistan with goals from skipper Haziq Samsul (sixth), Najmi Farizal (24th) and Shahril Saabah (32nd). The Pakistan goal was scored by Mohamed Naveed in the 45th minute.

“We did not do as well as the coach and the public expected from us, but I believe if this team is given as much exposure as the previous Junior World Cup team, we will also make the country proud in 2016,” said skipper Haziq.

RESULTS: Fifth-sixth: Malaysia 3 Pakistan 1; Third-fourth: Australia 6 New Zealand 2; Final: India 2 Britain 1

New Straits Times

Malaysia avoid winning the booby prize with solitary win

by Aftar Singh


Malaysian skipper Haziq Samsul (right) scored a goal in their 3-1 win against Pakistan in the Sultan of Johor Cup. - ABDUL RAHMAN EMBONG/The Star.

JOHOR BARU: Malaysia finally clinched a win to avoid the wooden spoon in the Sultan of Johor Cup hockey tournament after a 3-1 win over Pakistan.

Malaysia, who drew 2-2 with Pakistan in the preliminary round on Saturday, played with more composure to finish fifth in the six-nation Under-21 tournament at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium.

Skipper Haziq Samsul gave Malaysia the lead in the sixth minute when he fired past Pakistan goalkeeper Muneeb Ur-Rehman.

Mohd Najmi Farizal Jazlan made it 2-0 in the 24th minute when he converted a penalty corner. Mohd Shahril Saabah then made it 3-0 off another penalty corner in the 32nd minute.

Muhammad Naveed netted Pakistan’s consolation goal in the 45th minute.

National Juniors coach S. Arulselvaraj said he had “nothing to do with the win”.

“The players planned the match themselves. They realised they were capable of playing better and had an hour-long meeting before the match.

“They showed good character. Overall I am happy with the team’s performance and the fifth placing is not a fair reflection of the players’ ability,” said Arulselvaraj.

Meanwhile, India retained the title by edging Britain 2-1 in a thrilling final.

Defender Harmanpreet Singh was the hero for India. He gave India the lead in the 46th minute by firing a low penalty corner past goalkeeper Harry Gibson.

But Britain, who beat India 2-0 in the preliminary round, equalised 10 minutes later off a penalty corner converted by Samuel French.

But Harmanpreet had the final say, firing India’s third penalty corner home in the 70th minute to emerge top scorer with nine goals. He was also named the best player of the tournament.

“I am delighted with the fighting spirit shown by my players. Our aim is to win the 2016 Junior World Cup,” said Indian coach Harendra Singh.

In the third placing playoff, Australia scored a convincing 6-2 win over New Zealand.

The Star of Malaysia

Nelson replaces Claxton

South Australian Claxton out with ankle injury



A change has been made to the Australian women’s hockey squad preparing for the November’s Champions Trophy and warm-up series against New Zealand.

As the result of an ankle injury, South Australian Jane Claxton has been withdrawn from the 27-athlete training squad announced by Hockeyroos Head Coach Adam Commens last week. Claxton will be replaced in the squad by Western Australian Ashleigh Nelson, a teammate of Claxton’s during the Hockeyroos’ silver medal-winning World Cup campaign and Commonwealth Games title success.

Claxton suffered the injury while representing the SA Southern Suns during the Australian Hockey League powered by Premier Technology Solutions. Having been a mainstay in the highly successful Hockeyroos’ teams of the past two years, Nelson had originally been omitted from the training squad to allow her a period of rest.

The Hockeyroos will select its final 18-athlete Champions Trophy squad in the first week of November.

Hockey Australia media release

Comeback win for Wimbledon


Phil Roper of Wimbledon, who scored to help his side to a 3-2 comeback win over Brooklands Manchester Univ. Credit: Matt Henderson.

Wimbledon came from 2-0 down to clinch a dramatic 3-2 victory over Brooklands Manchester University in the NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League Premier Division on Sunday.

Goals from Phil Roper, Jonny Kinder and Phil Ball steered Wimbledon to a 3-2 win. Despite Peter Flanagan scoring two for Brooklands, it wasn’t enough for victory.

Free-scoring East Grinstead still lead the table on goal difference and scored a hatful again in their 6-3 win over Hampstead and Westminster.

They are tied on 15 points with second-placed Surbiton but have a game in hand and their latest victory makes it five wins in five games.

Mark Gleghorne and Tony Wilson scored two each with Gleghorne opening their scoring in the seventh minute and rounding it off in the 67th. Rhys Smith and Chris Griffiths scored the other goals.

Surbiton did their bit to keep the pressure on at the top, coming through a tough nine-goal thriller to beat Canterbury 5-4. Matt Daly was Surbiton’s star man, scoring four.

Beeston had to come from behind to win their game against Reading. Two early John Jackson strikes gave Reading a two-goal cushion but a brace from Paul Spies and a third Beeston goal from Adam Dixon saw them win 3-2.

In the other game, Southgate drew 1-1 with Cannock. John Sterlini broke the deadlock in the 21st minute but Arjan Drayton Chana replied 12 minutes later.

NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey Conference West

Two goals from Shaun Baker kept Team Bath Buccaneers at the top of the NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey Conference West as they beat University of Birmingham 2-1.

Cardiff and Met have scored 36 goals in six games this season and they had too much for Guildford who they beat 3-1.

Cheltenham leapfrogged Fareham to go third after beating them 3-2. William Millar, Sam Carter and James Astley scored their goals.

Barford Tigers beat University of Exeter 3-1 with Jakub Korytak grabbing a brace and a single Jagdeep Gill goal was enough to hand Indian Gymkhana a 1-0 victory over Whitchurch.

NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey Conference North

Joe Morrison bagged a hat-trick and Alex Kerly added two twice as Doncaster beat Deeside Ramblers 8-3 in a thrilling encounter in the NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey Conference North. Their keeper, David Overton also saved a penalty stroke to deny Umer Bhutta.

There were goals galore in other games with Leek beating Wakefield 6-2 and Loughborough Students beating Belper 5-0 in their own back yard. Tom Le Lievre scored two.

Another player finding the target twice was Ben White who led the scoring in league leading Bowdon’s 5-3 win over University of Durham. Olton and West Warwicks beat Sheffield Hallam 3-1 to go second.

NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey Conference East

Holcombe are looking unstoppable in the NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey Conference East and are already six points clear at the top with a big goal difference. That was topped up by their 7-1 defeat of Teddington with Richard Lane scoring twice.

Chichester Park Priory started their campaign well but came undone against West Herts, losing 5-1. They still remain in second place.

Brighton and Hove also took a 5-1 win, beating Oxted. The result moves Brighton up to fourth and sends Oxted plummeting to the bottom.

Old Loughtonians got their first points on the board with a 1-0 win against Richmond and Cambridge City beat Bromley and Beckenham 3-1.

NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League (Sunday, October 19 2014):

NOW: Pensions Men's Premier Division: Surbiton 5, Canterbury 4; Hampstead and Westminster 3, East Grinstead 6; Wimbledon 3, Brooklands Manchester University 2; Southgate 1, Cannock 1; Reading 2, Beeston 3.

NOW: Pensions Men's Conference West: Cheltenham 3, Fareham 2; University of Birmingham 1, Team Bath Buccaneers 2; Cardiff and Met 3, Guildford 1; Indian Gymkhana 1, Whitchurch 0; University of Exeter 1, Barford Tigers 3.

NOW: Pensions Men's Conference North: Sheffield Hallam 1, Olton and West Warwicks 3; Belper 0, Loughborough Students 5; Doncaster 8, Deeside Ramblers 3; Leek 6, Wakefield 2; Bowdon 5, University of Durham 3.

NOW: Pensions Men's Conference East: Cambridge City 3, Bromley and Beckenham 1; Teddington 1, Holcombe 7; Brighton and Hove 5, Oxted 1; Brighton and Hove 5, Oxted 1; Chichester Priory Park 1, West Herts 5; Richmond 0, Old Loughtonians 1.

England Hockey Board Media release

Matt Daly continues hot streak with four goals for Surbiton in thrilling victory over Canterbury

By Rod Gilmour


On the mark: Phil Roper (right) started Wimbledon's brilliant comeback  Photo: MATT HENDERSON

Great Britain’s loss is Surbiton’s gain. Matt Daly, left out of the England Hockey centralised programme after London 2012, continues to knock in the goals for the Sugden Road outfit and he racked up his 10th of the season over the weekend.

The 31-year-old scored four times in a thrilling 5-4 home win over Canterbury, with three of his goals coming from penalty corners.

The league’s leading scorer had to be at his best against a resolute Canterbury, who had the score locked at 3-3 after only 30 minutes. Daly scored twice after the break, first from open play and then with a piercing, low drag-flick that secured the points for Todd Williams’ side, who were hammered by the same team 5-1 last season.

“We were below par and really needed Matt,” admitted Williams. “His [drag flick] technique and disguise is so good. He's not as reliant on his stick, it's difficult for goalkeepers to know where it's going and his speed is as good as anybody.”

Asked whether Surbiton were benefiting from Daly’s omission from the national squad, Williams said: “His body got a chance to repair [after London 2012] and mentally he is enjoying the game.”

East Grinstead's Mark Gleghorne is in similarly impressive form. The GB defender scored from his fifth penalty corner of the season as the Sussex side overcame Hampstead and Westminster 6-3.

Beeston, last year’s play-off champions, came from behind to beat hosts Reading 3-2, with captain Adam Dixon scoring a 57th-minute winner from a penalty corner.

Phil Roper, the emerging England forward, was on hand to convert Wimbledon’s opener as the Londoners scored three in eight minutes to overturn Brooklands’ 2-0 half-time lead.

Meanwhile, in the Investec women's premier division, Reading's stunning 5-2 win at home to Beeston put them one point and one place off a play-off spot.

With a new coach in Merijn van Willigen, players going to university or leaving for rivals Holcombe, Reading struggled to adapt at the start of this campaign, but Great Britain forward Alex Danson put Beeston to the sword with four goals in a majestic individual display.

Reading had lead 3-0 by half-time, thanks to a brace from Danson - who also missed a penalty stroke - and one from Becky Halle. “We’re starting to get to know one another,” Emma Thomas, Reading’s captain, said. “Alex’s goals are key but it starts at the back with the likes of Emily Maguire and then Susie Gilbert in midfield.”

Reading are not the only side in ominous form. Holcombe rose to second thanks to a 6-0 trouncing at Buckingham.

Sam Quek netted from a penalty corner in the eighth minute before Lucy Wood, the GB forward, scored a fine hat-trick. “The key is how they will play against the tougher sides,” Thomas added.

A brace from Sarah Haycroft kept Surbiton top of the league with a 2-1 win over rivals Canterbury. Els Mansell’s equaliser also kept Clifton in the top four after a 1-1 draw against University of Birmingham.

The Telegraph

Just six teams in Malaysia Hockey League this time

by S Ramaguru

KUALA LUMPUR: Only six teams will compete in the Premier Division of this year’s Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).

The league, which will be played on a home and away format, will kick off on Oct 29 with double champions Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) playing Tenaga Nasional.

Besides KLHC and Tenaga Nasional, the other teams in the fray are Sapura, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Maybank and Terengganu Hockey Club.

Except for Terengganu HC, all the other teams will play their matches at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil. Terengganu HC will use the Kuala Terengganu Hockey Stadium as their home venue.

The preliminary round is slated to end on Nov 30. The knockout phase will start on Dec 6.

The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) competitions committee have decided to allow all the six teams to proceed to the knockout stage.

The champions and runners-up will move straight into the semi-finals while the other four teams will play in the playoffs to decide the other two semi-finalists.

The playoff and semi-final matches will also be on a home and away format.

The third placed team in the league will play the sixth placed team while the fourth and fifth placed teams will meet each other.

The semi-finals will be held on Dec 10-12 while the final is on Dec 14.

The registration of players will close on Oct 24. All the teams are allowed to register six foreign players each.

The Star of Malaysia

Fatehgarh Sahib girls win Nehru hockey



Fatehgarh Sahib - The girls’ hockey team of Baba Zorawar Singh Fateh Singh Public School, Fatehgarh Sahib, claimed its second national-level title in a month as it won the All India Nehru Hockey Girls’ U-17 tournament in New Delhi on Saturday.

The team, which had won the Dasara All India Championship in Mysore in September end, beat Chandigarh’s Government Girls Model School, Sector-18, in the final. The winning team bagged a cash award of Rs. 96,000, while the runners-up got Rs. 64,000.

Ritu scored the lone goal of the match, converting a penalty corner in the 50th minute. Winning team’s Navneet Kaur was declared the best player of the tournament. The two girls, along with teammate Navpreet Kaur, have been selected for the junior India camp.

The Tribune