HU edge out ARC to claim title
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 08 2015:
Hockey Union, Lairikyengbam edged past ARC, Shillong by a margin of 6 goals to five via the tie break to clinch the title of the 1st Wahengbam Thoibi Devi Challenge Hockey Trophy 2015 organised by Manipur Hockey at Khuman Lampak hockey stadium.
In today's final, an early goal from RK Ajit (Jersey No 2) in the 5th minute helped Hockey Union to take the lead.
Minutes later, P Rakesh (Jersey No 14) slammed in the second goal for Hockey Union in the 14th minute.
On the other hand, Th Bunty (Jersey No 9) struck home the opening goal for ARC in the 18th minute.
ARC continued to fight back putting more men on the attack.
The efforts for ARC finally paid off in the 42nd minute after L Heramani (Jersey No 8) slammed in the equaliser to make the scoreline 2-2 at the end of the first half.
After the interval, both sides wnet on the offensive with the forward lines dictating the pace of the game.
A stunning strike from M Premchand in the 60th minute helped ARC to take the lead but Hockey Union bounced back after RK Ajit (Jersey 2) banged in his second goal in the 64th minute.
The match was tied 3-3 at the end of normal time.
In the penalty shootout, Hockey Union claimed a narrow 3-2 win against ARC.
A cash prize of Rs 75,000 along with a rolling trophy was awarded to the team champion Hockey Union while ARC received the runners up title and a cash prize of Rs 35,000 .
The best player title went to P Rakesh (Jersey No 14) of Hockey Union.
A cash prize of Rs 15,000 along with a trophy was awarded to the third place winner SSB, Lucknow.
The closing ceremony was graced by PHED, Labour & Employment Minister and Manipur Olympic Association president I Hemochandra, Education, CAF & PD Minister M Okendro, Imphal Municipal Corporation, Chairperson A Nimai Sharma, Babina Health Care and Hospitality Pvt Ltd Managing Director Dr Th Dhabali and All Manipur Working Journalists' Union president Wangkhemcha Shamjai as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.