Haryana hit SAI for a six in final to lift hockey national title for second time

KOLLAM: In a mismatch of a final, Haryana toyed with Sports Authority of India, Ranchi 6-0 to lift the 10th Hockey India Senior National Women's Championship at the New Hockey Stadium here on Sunday. It was the only second time that Haryana emerged champions after lifting it in 2013 Lucknow edition beating powerhouses Railways. Defending champions Railways were conspicuous by their asbence as they were under going a ban for an impersonation case.Haryana led by Rio Olympian and most experienced player Poonam Rani took time to settle down at the start. The SAI girls were threatening as they won successive penalty corners in the first quarter. But the chances went abegging as both Betan Dong Dong and Simta Minz were off colour.After the goalless first quarter, Haryana regrouped well and Manisha struck in the 19th minute after Annu fed her after outfoxing two defenders. Three minutes later Poonam gave an accurate pass from left flank and all Annu had to do was to direct it towards the goal to make it 2-0. Third quarter witnessed some pleasing hockey but none of the team could score. Haryana showed their might and they did in style pumping four goals in the last quarter. Kajal (47th) Deepika ((50th), Usha (59th) and Devika Seen (PC, 60th) were the scorers."We played percentage game. Our rivals were kids and were over awed by the final moment. But kudos to them for playing well," Azad Malik told TOI after the match. "It's a historic moment for us. When Haryana were the champions in 2013, I was with the losing team Railways then. Now finally I'm glad that I'm leading a team comprising school and college players to national champions. It's a huge effort," said an elated Poonam.MPHA stun Maharashtra for third placeEarlier, in the loser's final, Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy, Gwalior stunned formidable Maharashtra 2-1. Rutuja Pisal, as always in the earlier matches, gave the lead for Maharashtra in the 25th minute. She finished as the top scorer of the tournament with 10 goals. Soon after the break, Academy girls were all over their rivals and scored back to back goals in the 31st minute and 33rd minute through Jyoti Pal and Sadhna Sengar, respectively. In the rest of the remaining match, Gwalior girls were guarded and defended well for the win.Other awardsBest goalkeeper: Bichi Devi Khariban (MPHA); Best defender: Mahima Chaudhary (Haryana); Best player: Mahima; Best forward: Rutuja Pisal (Maharashtra).