Army XI upsets Indian Oil in Maharaja Ranjit Singh hockey tourney

New Delhi, Feb 22 (UNI) Playing an all out attacking game, Army XI stunned star-studded Indian Oil 5-4 while Bharat Petroleum overpower Air India (North) 4-2 in the 4th Maharaja Ranjit Singh Hockey Tournament here today.

In the biggest upset of the tournament so far, the armymen went on the offensive from word go, as they snatched the lead in the sixth minute through a fine goal by Anil Ekka.

However, Indian Oil drew level through a penalty stroke as Deedar Singh (17th) fired home from the spot.

The oilmen soon surged ahead as star striker Deepak Thakur(24th) slammed in a penalty corner. But, Sunil Ekka scored in the 33rd minute as the teams went into the half-time break with the scoreboard reading 2-2.

In the second half, Indian Oil struck through Tyron Pereira (38th) and Deedar Singh (50th) to grab a 4-2 lead. But Army XI staged a brilliant comeback, scoring thrice in the last 18 minutes to emerge victorious.

Meanwhile in the other match, Bharat Petroleum scored through Amar Aiyamma (8th) and Sabu Varkey (12th) to go 2-0 up before half-time.

However, former India forward Dhanraj Pillay (41st) and Birender Lakra (42nd) struck in quick succession to help Air India (North) draw level.

Bharat Petroleum regained the lead through Pundulik Bellary (59th) while Gurpreet Singh (70th) struck right at the death to seal the fate of the match.

UNI AB RKM RN1906