Karnataka XI sails into Super League of Nehru hockey

New Delhi, Nov 16 (UNI) Powered by Appanna's brilliant hat-trick, Karnataka XI shot down Air Force XI 4-0 to sail into the super league of the 43rd Nehru Hockey Tournament here today.

In another match, Indian Navy played compact hockey to tame South Central Railway 4-2.

Ajay Kumar, Sajit Lakra, SB Gorded and PL Murugappan scored for the Navy team, while the Railwaymen reduced margin through KK Bharath and Amit Shrivas.

The other match of the day was a lop-sided affair with Karnataka scoring twice in each session to blank Indian Air Force 4-0.

Appanna opened the account in the 24th minute with a brilliant field goal and increased the lead just before the lemon break. His penchant for scoring was evident soon in the second session when he sounded the board when the match was just into the second minute after the breather.

In the 68th minute, Dinesh rounded off the tally for the winners with a field goal to seal the match.

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