Al-Hikma Muslim Academy clinch title

Al Hikma Muslim Academy of Rajshahi clinched the First Security Islami Bank 8th National School Hockey title beating Municipal Preparatory School of Jessore by 2-1 goal in the final played at Maulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium in the city Tuesday, reports UNB.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Biren Shikder witnessed the day's final as chief guest and later distributed prizes. Managing Director of the meet's sponsor First Security Islami Bank AA Zakaria was present as special guest.

President of Bangladesh Hockey Federation and Chief of Bangladesh Air Force Air Marshal Mohammad Enamul Bari and Chairman of the National School Hockey Committee and chairman of ATN Bangla and ATN News Dr Mahfuzur Rahman were also present on the occasion.

Champions Al Hikma Muslim Academy received prize money of Tk 100000 while runners-up Municipal Preparatory School got Tk 50,000.

Shihab Hossain of Armanitola High School, who scored the tournament's highest 16 goals, received prize money of Tk 100,000; Tuhin Hossain of the same school, who scored the 2nd highest 12 goals got Tk 50,000 while the tournament's 3rd highest scorer Ahsan Habib of Al Hikma Academy (9 goals) got Tk 25,000 from Dr. Mahfuzur Rahman.

A total of 101 schools took part in the qualifying round matches and 29 teams reached the final round of the knockout system tournament.

Bangladesh Hockey Federation has already picked up 80 players from the meet for a month-long training in Dhaka. Finally, 30 players will be selected for long-term training.