58th National Hockey Championship: NBP dominates to win Champions Title – Hockey Update
National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) won the 58th National Hockey Championship after defeating Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) team by a tough lead at 4-3 in the final that was held at the Faisalabad Hockey Stadium on Sunday, February 13.
It was a huge win for NBP in front of a large group of spectators to trounce the former Olympians and international hockey players that were representing the PIA team.
The third place was secured by the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) after beating the Southern Sui Gas Company (SSGC) with 6-4 on the score board.
The first goal for the champions was made by Mohammad Atiq in the 10th minute as a result of a penalty corner, early in the first half. There was no other goal from either side in the rest of the first half. All the rest of the goals were hit
within the last 30 minutes of the match in the second half.
The next goal was an attack that also had its rebound in the same minute of the match. It was the second goal by NBP’s Mohammad Tauseeq that was answered back by PIA’s Yasir Islam, securing first goal for PIA. The third goal was established by NBP’s Yasir
Shabbir. Later again, Mohammad Tauseeq shot the fourth goal for NBP in the 48th minute that was replied in the next minute by PIA’s Zaheer Ahmed in the 49th minute of the match.
NBP was in lead by two goals at 4-2 until the last 20 minutes of the match. In the 54th minute, PIA’s Ihsanullah managed to win a goal in the penalty corner that closed the gap to a single goal. Later, PIA tried hard but could not tie up the match
leaving the NBP victorious in the field after the whistle blew.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President, Qasim Zia was the chief guest who distributed prizes among the winners. The PHF Secretary, Asif Bajwa, Pakistan Hockey Team Coach, Michel Heuvel Van Dan and Commissioner Faisalabad, Syed Tahir Hussain and Treasurer
PHF, Khalid Rasool all were also present at the occasion.
The winning trophy of the 58th National Hockey Championship was handed over to NBP, followed by the Runners-up trophy lifted by PIA and the third position trophy received by the WAPDA team. The Shield and cash prize for Best player of the Tournament
was awarded to PIA Captain Shafqat Rasool. Souvenirs were also presented to guest of the occasion namely Khalid Bashir, Qasim Zia and Syed Tahir Hussain.
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