Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], August 13 (ANI): Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday congratulated the Indian males’s hockey group for clinching their fourth Asian Champions Trophy title.
The Indian males’s hockey group on Saturday produced a resilient efficiency and staged an unbelievable comeback to defeat Malaysia 4-3, clinching its fourth Asian Champions Trophy title right here on the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai. With this win, India has turn into probably the most profitable group in match historical past.
Patnaik, whose authorities may be very supportive of sports activities and serves because the sponsor of nationwide males’s and girls’s hockey groups on the senior and junior ranges, took to Twitter to congratulate India.
“Congratulate Indian Men’s Hockey Team on clinching its 4th Asian Champions Trophy title by defeating Malaysia 4-3. May the team continue its winning streak and bring more glory to the country. Wish the team all the very best for future. OdishaForHockey,” tweeted Patnaik. Hockey India additionally introduced a money prize for the gamers and assist employees, as per a press launch from Hockey India.
Announcing the money prize of Rs 3.00 lakhs to every member of the Indian Men’s Hockey Team and Rs 1.50 lakh to the Support Staff, Hockey India President Dr Dilip Tirkey mentioned, “As a former hockey player, I truly believe that a victory in hockey is more than just a win on the field; it is a testament to the dedication and teamwork that fuels our passion. As we commemorate the Indian Men’s Hockey Team’s magnificent victory at the Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023, Hockey India takes great pride in honouring their prowess with a cash award of Rs 3.00 lakh for players and Rs 1.50 lakh to the Support Staff, whose tireless efforts contribute to this success.” Jugraj Singh (9′), Harmanpreet Singh (45′), Gurjant Singh (45′) and Akashdeep Singh (56′) scored in India’s victory. For Malaysia, Abu Kamal Azrai (14′), Razie Rahim (18′) and Aminudin Muhamad (28′) scored to maintain them within the title hunt.
There was loads of motion within the first quarter with each groups residing as much as the billing, producing thrilling hockey. India, who got here into the Final after a convincing 5-0 win in opposition to Japan within the Semi-Final, was fast to take a 1-0 lead when Jugraj Singh flicked at lightning velocity to the left nook. But a spirited Malaysian assault was fast to reply when Azuan Hasan tackled Indian defenders in the proper flank to enter the circle. His try on purpose wanted a faint deflection by Abu Kamal Azrai to place it previous the Indian goalie. With scores levelled, the second quarter was exhilarating. Malaysia shifted gears, to place India underneath the pump with as many as two targets on this quarter. Their second purpose got here off a PC within the 18th minute, via a mixed effort by trapper Shello Silverius and flicker Razie Rahim. The Malaysians surprised the native spectators with a 3rd purpose in the28th minute when Muhamad Aminudin scored from a wonderful PC. Ahead by two targets at half-time, India was underneath stress and so they wanted to drag off a miracle to bounce again. Though the Indian aspect started the quarter with a PC, a purpose remained elusive till the forty fifth minute. Ona counter-attack, India’s ahead Sukhjeet Singh is tripped within the circle – leading to a penalty stroke for India. The Skipper made no mistake in changing it and shutting the hole to 2-3. Only seconds later, a lot to the cheer of residence crowd, India levelled the rating to 3-3. It was Harmanpreet establishing Gurjant Singh who obtained an ideal faucet into the goalpost.
It was a befitting Final, with the match happening to the wire – albeit with quite a lot of tense moments for the hockey followers. Though each groups created a number of possibilities within the final moments, it was India who held their nerves. The successful purpose got here from the skilled Akashdeep Singh. Sukhjeet Singhwho win the ball excessive on the pitch, performed it to Mandeep Singh who in flip arrange Akashdeep. His trademark large hit from the highest of the circle within the 56th minute meant the group solely needed to defend the 4-3 lead for the following 4 minutes and so they did simply that. (ANI)