CHANDIGARH, JUNE 12 :Star-sprinkled Indian Oil Corporation Limited of Mumbai got the better of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation of Delhi with a hard-fought 9-8 verdict in an entertaining final of the sixth edition of the Olympian Dharam Singh Six-a-Side Hockey Tournament at the Sector 18 Hockey Stadium on Tuesday night. The winners were leading by 5-3 at interval.
Olymians Rajpal Singh (5) and Prabhjot Singh (4) were the scorers for IOC. For ONGC, Harpal Singh (4), Baljinder (2), and Sandeep Antil (2) served their team well. Indian Oil Corporation
goalkeeper Baljit Singh who displayed good reflexes and anticipation to make brilliant saves, was adjudged the man of the match.
Top score local lad Rajpal Singh was adjudged the Player of the Tournament. He was awarded a trophy and cash price of Rs.5100 given by Khuswinder Singh, Deputy Manager, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
With Olympians Rajpal Singh, Prabhjot Singh and current Indian captain Sardara Singh in their line-up, the IOC launched their offensive straight from the word ‘go’. Rajpal Singh forced IOC’s first penalty corner. However, Rajpal wasted it. Rajpal atoned himself for his earlier lapse as he converted his team’s second penalty corner in the second minute to give his team lead.
Olympian Prabhjot doubled the margin 2-0 with a fine field goal. Another field goal by speedy forward Prabhjot placed IOC a commanding 3-0 position.
After Olympian Harpal Singh muffing a penalty corner, second of ONGC, the Delhi team tasted their first success as Baljinder Singh converted a penalty stroke. In the same minute, Baljinder converted another penalty stroke to make it 2-3.
At the other end Rajpal Singh converted a penalty stroke with a swift action to further increase the lead of IOC and Prabhjot converted another penalty corner for a 5-2 lead. Just before the lemon break, Sandeep Antil reduced the margin for ONGC with a field goal.
In the second half, Rajpal Singh contributed three goals goal in the 18th, 23th (penalty corner) and 29th (penalty corner). Prabhjot made his fourth goal in the 20th minute.
The ONGC players gave improved performance in the second half. They scored five goals in the second session. Harpal Singh alone accounted for four goals as he converted penalty corners in the 16th, 26th, 30th and 30th minutes. Sandeep Antil scored his second goal in the 24th minute.
IOC goalkeeper Baljit Singh today gave an outstanding performance. ONGC could convert only three out of 10 penalty corners given to them. Baljit Singh also saved two penalty strokes out of four ONGC earned.
IOC forced five penatly corners and converted three. They also converted a penalty stroke.
Balbir Singh Sidhu, MLA from Kharar, was the chief guest and distributed the prizes. Chandigarh Hockey Association president ADGP Chander Sekhar was also present on the occasion.