National Bank shaters dreams of defending champion WAPDA

Karachi: National Bank of Pakistan continued the winning streak shattering dreams of defending champion WAPDA beating them 2-1 in the final of the 33^rd National Junior Hockey Championship that concluded at the Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium here on Saturday.

The Bankers initiated their attack in the first minue of the match when even their opponents were settling down. They earned a penalty corner through a combined move by Shah Irshad, Ateeque and Waseem Akram. Mubashar Hussain’s successful convertion not only gave them a 1-0 lead but also surprised their opponents who were mot expecting a goal in the first minute. In the fourth minute, WAPDA players made a counter attack and also earned a penalty corner but failed to capitalize it.

The final, however, lacked the thrill and excitement of the semifinals and the third position match. Though both finalists teams made some interesting moves yet their finishing was worst. They adopted defensive strategy and occasionally found space to attack but their moves can’t set the momentum of a big final which deprived the spectators to enjoy a tough competition.

Nevertheless, last few minutes of the final were worthy to watch. A determind move initiated by NBP’s trio comprising Junaid, Ateeque and Waseem earned two back to back penalty corners in the 57 and 58^th minutes respectively. Mubashar slammed second goal for his team. In the last minute the drama was repeated as this time WAPDA got three penalty corners and they reduced the margin of defeat through Mohammed Ahad who successfully converted the third penalty corner. Kamran MP and Shahid Pervaiz supervise the match.

Earlier, Punjab (C) stunned PIA 3-2 in a drama packed last four minutes of the match to get third position in the Championship and won a cash prize of Rs. 100, 000. PIA dominated the proceedings, leading 2-1 till the 55^th minute of the match and looking for a victory. Qasim Ahmed slammed a goal on penalty corner in the 56^th mnute to bring Punjab (C) at par with PIA at 2-2. The match entered into a very exciting stage and both teams made aggressive moves to earn a victory but it was Mohsin Sabir, captain of Punjab (C) who rose to the occasion and shattered PIA’s dreams with a beautiful field goal just few second before the final whistle.

From the winners, Mohammed Asif netted the first goal in the 37^thminute. PIA’s Abu Bakr slammed the first goal in the 17^th minute on a penalty coner andAmir Ali scored the second goal for his team in the 37^th minute. Kamran Sharif and Muneer were the umpires.

Later, Chief Guest Sindh Minister for Health Dr. Saghir Ahmed gave away the trophy to the captain of NBP Ateeque and a cash prize of Rs. 200, 000. The runners up also got the trophy and cash prize of Rs. 150, 000. Karachi Hockey Association President Wasay Jalil  also delivered cash prizes of Rs. 100, 000 to the third position holders Punjab (C) team. Mubashar Hussain, with seven goals, was declared the best player of the Championship.