KIYG Hockey: Manipur beat Chandigarh in campaign opener
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 04 2022:
Manipur started their campaign on a winning note in the U-18 men's hockey competition of the 4th Khelo India Youth Games at Shahabad, Haryana, on Saturday.
The state squad fought back from two goals down to beat Chandigarh 4-3 as Dingku Sharma Gurumayum starred in Manipur's thrilling triumph.
Chandigarh had a strong start with a 6th-minute goal by captain Ajay Pal Singh and they went further ahead when Gurpreet Singh converted a penalty corner in the 12th minute.
Manipur, however, staged a stunning comeback as Dingku Sharma reduced the deficit in the 25th minute and he went on to strike in his second goal in the 42nd minute to put his side on equal terms.
Two minutes later, Sushanta Singh Moirangthem was on target to put the state team ahead briefly before Chandigarh fought their way back into contention in the 45th minute through Gurpreet Singh's second goal.
Then an intense battle ensued but it was Manipur who rose to the contest with a 60th-minute winner from Ingalemba Luwang Thounaojam.
Manipur are placed in Pool A alongside Jharkhand, Odisha and Chandigarh.
The state boys next play Jharkhand on Sunday, June 5 .