Karnataka, MP enter quarters with thrilling wins

Bengaluru

Hockey Madhya Pradesh and Hockey Karnataka secured thrilling 3-2 victories on Thursday to enter the quarterfinals of the 15th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship (Division A).

In the first match, Madhya Pradesh captain Yousuf Affan gave his team a strong start with a goal in the 4th minute. Mohit Karma (18') and Saddam Ahmed (45') added to the lead, giving Madhya Pradesh control over the game.

However, Hockey Punjab staged a strong comeback in the final quarter. Araijeet Singh Hundal (54') and Gursahibjit Singh (56') reduced the margin, but Madhya Pradesh held on to their lead to top Pool A and confirm their quarterfinal spot.

In another closely-fought game, Hockey Karnataka edged past Le Puducherry Hockey 3-2. Skipper Mohammed Raheel scored early in the 12th minute to put Karnataka ahead. Le Puducherry hit back with goals from T Arun Kumar (27') and P Mahendran (37'), taking the lead by the end of the third quarter.

But Karnataka’s Sheshe Gowda Bm turned the match around in the dying minutes with two back-to-back goals in the 58th and 60th minutes, sealing a last-minute win for his side. Both teams now move forward with confidence into the quarterfinal stage of the championship.