Guwahati, Oct. 10: Assam reaped the harvest of the world class infrastructure created for the 33rd National Games by wresting the hockey champions’ crown from strong contenders Manipur today. The hosts did not even leave room for Manipur to open their account, clinching the 1st North East Challenge Hockey Championship 2-0 at Maulana M. Tayabullah Hockey Stadium.
In the rain-drenched match, Assam dominated the game with superior skill and pace.
The collective efforts of the home team bore fruit in the 15th minute when M. Ramen Singh drew first blood with a field goal.
Y. Holendro Singh consolidated the lead in the 23rd minute, making no mistake in tapping the ball off a goalmouth melee, following a penalty corner.
Trailing by two goals, the Manipur players regrouped but their advances lacked the sting and they failed to capitalise on opportunities.
After a dismal show in the National Games, Assam’s victory in the regional meet has been attributed to its exposure to astroturf.
Both Assam and Manipur entered the final winning all their group league matches. In the semifinals yesterday, Assam defeated Mizoram 4-2 and Manipur trounced Tripura 5-0.
Tripura was named the most promising team of the tournament.
Five state teams — Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura — took part in the first edition of the North East Hockey Forum-organised tournament that began on October 7. One of these teams will be selected for the Nehru Cup inter-zonal tournament in Delhi later this year.
Speaking at the prize distribution ceremony, senior coach of the Indian Hockey Federation Harvinder Singh said he was impressed with the potential of players from the Northeast. He said he would urge the federation to identify and groom players from the region.
Washed out
The first day of the 2nd S.P. Barooah Challenger Trophy match between President XI and Cricket Association of Bengal was washed out without a ball being bowled at NF Railway Stadium today.
Tournament official Rajesh Bora said if the weather does not improve tomorrow, both teams would share a point and the finalist from the group would be decided on the basis of run rates.
