PSPB and RSPB Kick Off Hockey India Championship with Convincing Wins

Defending champions Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB) and Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) began their campaigns with convincing victories on the first day of the Hockey India Senior Men Inter-Department National Championship on Thursday. However, Steel Plant Sports Board (SPSB) caused an upset by defeating the experienced All India Police Sports Control Board (AISCP) 2-1.

PSPB and RSPB Secure Dominant Wins

PSPB triumphed over Central Secretariat with a 5-0 scoreline in a Pool A match. Talwinder Singh opened the scoring in the 4th minute, followed by Shilanand Lakhra who netted twice in the 26th and 56th minutes. Armaan Qureshi and Rosan Minz also contributed with goals in the 33rd and 41st minutes respectively.

In another Pool B match, RSPB showcased their prowess by thrashing Sports Authority of Gujarat - Hockey Academy 13-0. Pardeep Singh was the standout performer with three goals in the 7th, 17th, and 52nd minutes. Shivam Anand scored twice in the 9th and 11th minutes, while Darshan Vaibhav Gawker, Joginder Singh, Shesh Gowda BM, Simranjot Singh, Yuvraj Walmiki, and Gursahibjit Singh each added to the tally.

SPSB's Surprise Victory

SPSB's young team managed to edge out AISCP with a narrow 2-1 victory. Abdul Qadir scored the first goal for SPSB in the 29th minute, and Alok Kandulna extended the lead in the 53rd minute. AISCP's Simranjit Singh pulled one back in the 58th minute, but it was not enough to change the outcome.

Other Matches

In another Pool A encounter, ITBP Central Hockey Team drew with Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) in a thrilling match that ended 4-4. Roshan scored twice for ITBP in the 41st and 47th minutes, while Anil added two more goals in the 49th and 55th minutes. For CBDT, Vikash Choudhary scored in the 23rd minute, Nachappa Ir netted in the 30th minute, Pranam Gowda TM scored in the 52nd minute, and R Manikandan equalised in the final minute.

The results from these matches set an exciting tone for the rest of the championship. Teams will be looking to build on their performances as they progress through the tournament.

The opening day of the championship saw a mix of expected results and surprising upsets. Fans can look forward to more thrilling matches as teams vie for supremacy in this prestigious tournament.