Airlines, PNB storm into Babu Hockey semi-final

Lucknow, Feb 23 (UNI) Star studded Indian Airlines and Punjab National Bank New Delhi booked their places in the semi-final of 26th All India K D Singh Babu Hockey Tournament with emphatic wins here today.

The Airlines side, having former national players Dhanraj Pillay, Sameer Dad, Lazrus Barla, Bimla Lakra and Brojen Singh in its ranks, pulverised Lucknow Sports Hostel by 8-0.

In a one-sided quarter final, the Airlines side through two goals each by Brojen Singh, Bimal Lakra and Birendra Lakra and goals apiece by Girish Pimpale and Ravindar Singh routed the Hostel side.

The winners led 3-0 at the breather.

In the other quarter final, PNB Delhi, fuelled by two goals by Jitendar Sinha got past Army XI 3-1. While Jitendar scored the goals in the eighth and 15th minute. Bikash Toppo sealed the match for bankers with a field goal in the 64th minute. Earlier against the run of play, the army men had drawn first blood through a field goal by A K Majhi in the seventh minute only.

In the semis tomorrow Namdhari XI face Punjab Sindh Bank, Jalandhar, while Airlines will take on Punjab National Bank, New Delhi.

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