India Colts thrash ONGC XI to enter Nehru final

Gurgaon, Nov 24 (UNI) Danish Mujtaba struck a brace as India Colts outclassed last year's runners-up ONGC XI 4-0 in the first semi-final of the 45th Nehru Hockey Tournament here today.

Drag-flicker Diwakar Ram and Jai Karan scored the remaining two goals for the Colts.

The Indian Colts dominated the game from the beginning and gave little leeway to their opponents. The speedy Colts ran their rivals ragged. Many of the ONGC XI players were clearly not in the best of shape.

Mujtaba could have grabbed a hat-trick but he missed a golden chance in the 12th minute. An accurate through from Jai Karan found him clear in the rival penalty area with just the goalkeeper to beat. Mujtaba, however, failed to tap in.

India Colts went into the lead in the 20th minute when hardworking Mandip Antil found Mujtaba, who made no mistake this time round, finding the target with a reverse flick.

Diwakar (26th min) doubled the lead with a powerfully taken penalty corner.

However, Karan (52nd min) made the issue safe for his team, scoring a field goal off a fine move. Mujtaba (54th min) completed his brace just a couple of minutes later as India Colts won in a comprehensive fashion.

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