Pakistan International Airlines defeated WAPDA 4-2 in PSO National Hockey Championship

Lahore: Pakistan International Airlines defeated WAPDA 4-2 in a nerve breaking shoot out phase to lift the coveted Trophy of 61^st PSO National Hockey Championship at the Nawaz Sharif Stadium here on Sunday. Both teams were at par in the relegated time and tried their luck in an unpredictable penalty shoot out stage where lady luck favoured PIA.

The sunny atmosphere at the Stadium was ideal for hockey which also brought a large number of fans to see an exciting encounter between two top team comprising stars of Pakistan. For PIA it was a wonderful comeback after losing 2-0 at the half time. The third quart belonged to the Airliners who snatched the initiative from WAPDA and completely dominated the proceedings. The PIA forwards took full advantage of a sudden fall in WAPDA’s aggression. They scored two goals in as many minutes. In the 47^th minute Shafqat Rasool took the ball inside WAPDA’s circle and gave a pass to experienced Mohammed Zubair who intelligently availed the opportunity. PIA forwards then wielded more pressure and got a penalty corner in the same 47^th minute which was successfully converted by Kashif Ali.

Earlier, WAPDA entered the field in an aggressive mood which reflected from their speed, dribbling, dodging and excellent passes. Their forwards dominated the proceedings of the final since the word go, kept control of the ball which enabled them to launch a series of attacks into their opponents’ area. PIA defenders looked baffled, particularly in the first two quarts.

In the 5^th minute Tassawar Abbas and made a smart move and entered into the circle creating a chance for Umar Bhutta to score a beautiful field goal. They didn’t relax after taking important lead and exerted more pressure on their opponents. They got two back to back penalty corners in the14th minute. Mohammed Aleem doubled the lead converting the second penalty corner. Haider Rasool and Kamran Hussain supervised the match.

In the end Federal Minister for Defense & Power Khawaja Mohammed Asif gave away the trophy to the captain of the winning side. He also distributed prizes amongst the players. Ammad Butt was declared Best Player of the Championship.

 SIALKOT: Chief Executive of Malik Sports Malik Zulfiqar Ali donated hockey sticks to the provincial teams participating in the ongoing 61^st PSO National Hockey Championship.

Malik Zulfiqar presented 18 sticks each to the managers of the provincial teams. He said that his business firm would continue to support hockey. Healso urged upon the business community to come forward to help the national game which has brought laurels for the country. Pakistan Hockey Federation Secretary General Rana Mujahid, Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh, Olympian Tariq Sheikh Punjab Hockey Association Secretary Ajmal Khan Lodhi and Executive Secretary Habib-ur-Rehman were also present on the occasion.