Indian Army’s Border Battle Hockey Cup
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
POONCH, Feb 21: Poonch Stadium XI defeated Kashmir Hockey Academy in an easy contest by five goals to nil (5-0) in the Border Battle Hockey Cup, being organised by Indian Army under Operation Sadbhavna at Astroturf Hockey Stadium, here today.
For Poonch Stadium XI, Amanjeet Singh and Mandeep Singh scored two goals each, while Jagmeet Singh pelted one goal. For his extraordinary soccer skills, Mandeep Singh was adjudged as the player of the match.
Meanwhile, in another match of the day, Jammu Stadium XI defeated Sujanpur Hockey Club by three goals to two (3-2). Saksham, who scored a hat-trick for Jammu Stadium XI was adjudged as the player of the match. Senior Army Officers along with veteran sportspersons witnessed the match.
Mohd Qasim, District Youth Services and Sports Officer (DYSSO) Poonch was the chief guest, while prominent among others present were Narjeet Singh, retired ZPEO, Narinder Singh ZPEO, Advocate Sanjeev Sharma, Pawan Kumar, Gurmeet Singh, Vishal Sharma and Jasbir Singh.
The matches were officiated by a panel of technical experts including Mukesh Kumar, Rajinder Singh, Harmeek Singh, Jagjeet Singh, Amarjeet Singh, Gurdev Singh, Ruchika Sharma, Navjot Singh, Sunil Raina, Shokat Ahmed and Ritika Sharma. Fourteen (14) teams are taking part in this hockey extravaganza to vie for the top honours.
The teams from outside the Union Territory of J&K will not only be adding vibrancy to the tournament but will be providing a rare opportunity to them to play and experience the beauty of border town like Poonch. Delhi, Haryana and Punjab will have their boys and girls teams up in the line. Euphoric, the border city is brimming with celebrations to witness the grand sporting event on one of the few AstroTurf grounds in the Union Territory.
The town has historically been very active in sports and proudly boasts of producing several national level players in disciplines as diverse as Taekwondo, Cricket, Hockey and Football. The event has received huge appreciation and support from the local populace. The final is scheduled to be held on February 27, 2024.
In addition to the hockey matches, the event will include cultural programs and recreational activities for the locals and the spectators. “We are delighted to host the Border Battle Hockey Cup: 2024 , which brings together youth from different states in a spirit of friendly competition”, said one of the Organizers.
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