JALANDHAR, Oct 24 :Former champions Punjab and Sind Bank of Delhi will face Javed Hockey Club of Gojra (Pakistan) in the final of the Silver Jubilee IndianOil Servo Surjit Hockey Tournament at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium here on Saturday.
Punjab & Sind Bank entered the finals for the 13th time after beating Air India of Mumbai by 2-1 while Javed Hockey Club Gojra (Pakistan) defeated IndianOil of Mumbai by 3-1 in the semi-final matches played today.
The first semi-final match between Punjab and Sind Bank and Air India was played at a fast pace. The bankmen took the lead in the sixth minute when outside- left Rajwinder Singh scored a brilliant field goal off a pass from inside-left Jarnail Singh (1-0). Air India launched a counter attack and neutralised the lead in the 10th minute when meercurial Olympian Dhanraj Pillay scored a field goal (1-1). Both teams were locked 1-1 draw at half time.
After changing over Punjab and Sind Bank played an aggressive game. Air India goalkeeper Harjit Singh exhibited excellent game and made a few good saves. However, Punjab and Sind Bank maintained their relentless pressure and snatched the match-winner in the 53rd minute through skipper Mandeep Singh. Jail and Tourism Minister Hira Singh Baghria was the chief guest and announced a grant of Rs 2.00 lakh for the tournament.
In the second semi-final IndianOil and Javed Hockey Club Gojra displayed a good hockey. Both played with the ‘W’ formation known as Asian style. In the 30th minute IndianOil earned their first penalty corner which Birkramjit Singh converted (1-0). In the 30 minute the Pakistan boys made an attack from the left flank and earned a panality corner but failed to capitalize on the chance. However they equalized in the 34th minute through Mohammad Arif who scored a field goal (1-1). At half time both teams were playing 1-1 draw.
On resumption IndianOil played resorted to a defensive game while the Pakistan players mounted pressure. In the 41st minute Gojramen earned their second penalty corner and international Kashif Ali converted it to give his team the lead (2-1) . In the 57th minute Kashif Ali increased the margin by converting in direct penalty corner in to goal (2-1).
Transport Minister Master Mohan Lal was the chief guest of the second semi-final match and announced a grant of 2.50 lakh for the tournament.