Indian Airlines lift Guru Gobind Singh Gold Cup

Chandigarh, Mar 16 (UNI) Star-studded Indian Airlines lifted All-India Guru Gobind Singh Gold Cup by outplaying Border Security Force 5-1 in the final played at the Punjab Agricultural University grounds in Ludhiana today.

Trailing by a first-half goal, Indian Airlines, which have a number of internationals and Olympians in their line-up, hit back with a vengeance in the second half. They mounted relentless pressure soon after the resumption, maintained it throughout the remaining period of the match and pumped in five goals.

Olympian Sameer Dad and former India captain and mercurial forward Dhanraj Pillay demolished the BSF defence with repeated raids with well coordinated moves.

It was the securitymen who drew the first blood in the fourth minute when Habib Topno converted a pass from Harbhajan Singh in the fourth minute. BSF kept the lead intact until the first half.

After resumption, Indian Airlines restored parity in the 48th minute when Dhanraj Pillay gave an immaculate pass to Sameer Dad to score. Four minutes later, Sameer hit the target again to put Indian Airlines ahead. Brojen Singh then made it 3-1 in the 51st minute.

Continuing their dominance, Indian Airlines further increased the lead in the 54th minute when they were awarded a penalty stroke as Dhanraj Pillay was deliberately fouled by a BSF defender. Sameer Dad converted the stroke with a smooth action.

Brojen Singh rounded of the tally in the 65th minute with a field goal, his second in the match.

Besides the glittering trophy, the winners also received a cash prize of Rs 51,000, while BSF received a cheque for Rs 31,000.

Dhanraj Pillay was adjudged the man of the tournament.

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