Gagandeep does the 'trick' for CHA

Chandigarh, Oct (UNI) Chandigarh Hockey Academy emerged 3-1 victorious against Punjab and Sind Bank of Jalandhar in the final of the first Administrator's Challenge Cup Hockey Tournament for boys Under-17 organised by the Chandigarh Administration at the Sector 42 Hockey Stadium here today.

The Chandigarh Hockey Academy, venture of the Chandigarh Administration played an inspired game. The man who stole the show for the hosts was speedy Gagandeep Singh who performed a brilliant hat-trick in the first 12 minutes of the game.

Cheered by the trainees of the football, hockey and cricket academies of the Chandigarh Administration, the Chandigarh Hockey Academy boys started on a whirlwind fashion as they struck in the very first minute through Gagandeep even before the bankmen could settle down.

The Chandigarh Hockey Academy struck again in the eighth minute through Gagandeep who scored another field goal. The hosts forced their first penalty corner in the 12th minute. The dashing Gagandeep, wearing jersy number 10, converted it to complete his three-in-a-row feat.

The Punjab and Sind Bank reorgaised their game on crossing over.

In a counter move the bankmen were able to reduce the margin by converting a penalty corner in the 46th minute when Gagandeep Singh rolled the ball in after capitalising on the rebound off the Chandigarh Hockey Academy goalkeeper Sukhjeet's pads.

The bankmen forced penalty corners in the 15th, 30th, 46th, 48th and 64th minutes. They could convert only one.

Gagandeep Junior, Baljot, Inderjeet, Gagandeep Sr, Damandeep, all of Chandigarh Hockey Academy were given green cards. Gurjinder and Damandeep of CHA got yellow cards. For PSB Rajneesh Kumar was booked in 28th minute and was shown green card. Kanwarpreet Singh, also of PSB got yellow card in the 51st minute.

Adviser to the Chandigarh Administrator Pradip Mehra distributed the prizes. The jubilant Chandigah Hockey Academy boys were presented a glittering trophy and a cheque of Rs 50,000. The Punjab and Sind Bank team received the runners-up trophy and a cash incentive of Rs 25,000.

UNI XC PS MMS1954