Pakistan stun India to win hockey gold
Monday, 8 February 2010
Pakistan staged a tremendous fight back to retain the gold medal of the South Asian Games hockey with 4-3 win in the penalty shootout in a thrilling final at the Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium in the city Sunday, reports BSS.
India led the first half by a solitary goal.
The match was tied 1-1 at the end of the stipulated time and the scoreline remained the same after the extra time and sadly the tie-breaker separated the teams in penalty shootout.
In the third placer decider early in the day Bangladesh edged past Sri Lanka to grab the hockey bronze.
Indian skipper Ajitesh put his team ahead in the 7th minute in a different manner. The customary move of Indian penalty corner with Raghunath dragging the ball was not implemented. Raghunath jumped over the ball making a dummy and skipper Ajitesh slammed home with a fierce hit.
Pakistan continued their disorganized performance till the end of the first half but came back strongly after the change of ends.
India looked a little bit unsettled facing the continuous onslaught. Indians were careful about not conceding any penalty corners but could not hold their fort in the 47th minute. Skipper Sabtain rolled the ball to Amir who neatly dragged it into the roof of the net.
Indian custodian Mrinal, however, saved his team in the next two penalty corners.
Pakistan kept their cool in the shootout with Wasif Siddiky, Kashif Javed, Abbas Akram and skipper Sabtain Raza scoring from the spot. Zeeshan Ashraf missed the lone penalty for Pakistan.
For India Raghunath, Varinder, Vikash found the back of the net while Dharmav and Innocent missed.
Pakistan coach Shahbaz Junior said his team was determined to wipe away the memory of the 5-1 defeat to India in the league phase. 'I asked the players to lift themselves and focus on the gold medal, they played accordingly' said Shahbaz.
Bangladesh also came back from 0-1 down to secure the bronze. Sri Lankan forward
Mullafer put Sri Lanka ahead in the 18th minute with a solo display. Experienced midfielder Ashiquzzaman flicked a Mamunur Rahman Chayan through to restore the parity in the 50th minute and drag and flick specialist Chayan arrived as the hero of the day hitting the top net with a neat scoop in the 65th minute to present the hosts the bronze.
India led the first half by a solitary goal.
The match was tied 1-1 at the end of the stipulated time and the scoreline remained the same after the extra time and sadly the tie-breaker separated the teams in penalty shootout.
In the third placer decider early in the day Bangladesh edged past Sri Lanka to grab the hockey bronze.
Indian skipper Ajitesh put his team ahead in the 7th minute in a different manner. The customary move of Indian penalty corner with Raghunath dragging the ball was not implemented. Raghunath jumped over the ball making a dummy and skipper Ajitesh slammed home with a fierce hit.
Pakistan continued their disorganized performance till the end of the first half but came back strongly after the change of ends.
India looked a little bit unsettled facing the continuous onslaught. Indians were careful about not conceding any penalty corners but could not hold their fort in the 47th minute. Skipper Sabtain rolled the ball to Amir who neatly dragged it into the roof of the net.
Indian custodian Mrinal, however, saved his team in the next two penalty corners.
Pakistan kept their cool in the shootout with Wasif Siddiky, Kashif Javed, Abbas Akram and skipper Sabtain Raza scoring from the spot. Zeeshan Ashraf missed the lone penalty for Pakistan.
For India Raghunath, Varinder, Vikash found the back of the net while Dharmav and Innocent missed.
Pakistan coach Shahbaz Junior said his team was determined to wipe away the memory of the 5-1 defeat to India in the league phase. 'I asked the players to lift themselves and focus on the gold medal, they played accordingly' said Shahbaz.
Bangladesh also came back from 0-1 down to secure the bronze. Sri Lankan forward
Mullafer put Sri Lanka ahead in the 18th minute with a solo display. Experienced midfielder Ashiquzzaman flicked a Mamunur Rahman Chayan through to restore the parity in the 50th minute and drag and flick specialist Chayan arrived as the hero of the day hitting the top net with a neat scoop in the 65th minute to present the hosts the bronze.