Punjab, Maharashtra to clash in hockey semi-final today

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 19

Hockey Punjab will face Hockey Maharashtra in the first semi-finals of the 11th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship at Pune on December 20.

Hockey Maharashtra held its nerves to script a thrilling 2-0 win in the shootout against Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu in the fourth quarterfinals. Karthi S (46th, 48th) scored a brace for Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu, while Pratap Kishanrao Shinde (8th) and Captain Taleb Shah (60th) scored a goal each to help Hockey Maharashtra earn a 2-2 draw in the regulation time.

Hockey Punjab Coach Balwinder Singh said: “As many as 10 players are playing their nationals for the first time. I am happy with their performance, so far. We have the advantage of using the experience of Olympic bronze medallist Rupinder Pal Singh and he has been guiding these young players really well. The match against Hockey Maharashtra is expected to be a good game.”

In the second semi-finals, Uttar Pradesh Hockey will take on Hockey Karnataka.