New Delhi: ONGC defeated Air India 2-0 ( 2-2) in penalty shoot out to win the 22nd Lal Bahadur Shastri Men’s Hockey Tournament played here at the Dhyanchand Stadium on Saturday. Goals by Pramod and Gagan in the penalty shoot out saw the ONGC lift the title as the Air India foiled all their chances.

Earlier in the match, ONGC started off on a dominant note and drew the first blood of the match when, Akash scored for them in the 15th minute of the match. However they could not hang on to the lead for a long time as Sommana Pradhan of Air India pulled of the equalizer in 30th minute. The score line remained unchanged as the teams went into the half time.

After the change of ends, Akash scored once more in the 46th minute to take the lead by ONGC only to see it being brought to par by Vikram Pillay of Air India in the 62nd minute. As the full time ended with score tied 2-2, the match moved into the extra time and eventually onto the penalty shootout.

By Shraddha Bagdwal

Indian Sports News