IOC lift Dharam Singh Hockey Trophy

Chandigarh, Jun 12 (UNI) Star-packed Indian Oil Corporation Limited of Mumbai became new champions after prevailing over Oil and Natural Gas Corporation of Delhi by 9-8 in an absorbing final of the sixth Olympian Dharam Singh Six-a-Side Hockey Tournament which concluded at the Sector 18 Hockey Stadium on Tuesday night.

Scorers: IOC: Rajpal Singh (5) and Prabhjot Singh (4). For ONGC, Harpal Singh (4), Baljinder (2), and Sandeep Antil (2) reduced the margin.

Man of the Match: IOC goalkeeper Baljit Singh. Player of the Tournament: Rajpal Singh. IOC, having Olympians Rajpal Singh, Prabhjot Singh and current Indian captain Sardara Singh, meant business from the word 'go'. Straight from the 'bully-off', Rajpal Singh launched the first attack and forced IOC's first penalty corner.

However, Rajpal failed to capitalise on the chance. However, he atoned himself for his earlier lapse as Rajpal converted his team's second penalty corner in the second minute to give his team the lead.

Olympian Prabhjot made it 2-0 with a field goal. Another field goal by speedy forward Prabhjot gave IOC a commanding 3-0 lead.

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 banged home another penalty corner for a 5-2 lead. Just before the half time, Sandeep Antil reduced the margin with a field goal.

Maintaining their pressure after resumption, 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.

Displaying better coordination among their players, ONGC enjoyed an upper hand in territorial supremacy as 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 hogged the limelight as made a number of good saves. ONGC could convert only three out of 10 penalty corners awarded to them. Baljit Singh also save two penalty stores out of four ONGC earned.

IOC forced five penatly corners and converted three. They also converted a penalty stroke.

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