Manipur register win at NE zone hockey opening match

IMPHAL, September 8: The 64th Sr National Hockey Championship (Men’s) for North East Zone begins today at Khuman Lampak Hockey Stadium organized by Hockey Manipur under the aegis of Indian Hockey Federation.

MLA Thounaojam Shyamkumar shakes hands with players during the introduction ceremony.

Host Manipur defeated Tripura 6-2 goals in the opening match today.

The first half of the match saw both the team playing equally tight and by the end of first half, Manipur manage to take the lead by 2-1.

But the second half of the match saw Manipur quite dominating. And taking advantage of the situation, Manipur added another four goals while Tripura sticks to only one goal.

The first two goals of Manipur were scored by P Priyokumar in the 11th and 32nd minutes. The first one was a field goal and the second one was converted from a penalty corner. The remaining other four goals were scored by P Adeva (45th minute), N Gunamani (50th minute), Th Birjit (53rd minute) and Y Bidyakumar (62nd minute).

Meanwhile, Khagendra Kalai scored the two goals of Tripura in 22nd and 58th minutes.

Manipur was able to convert two goals out of six penalty corners received, while Tripura even after receiving four penalty corners did not succeed in converting any goals.

The opening day function was attended by Th Shyamkumar Singh, MLA of Andro A/C, Th Biswajit Singh, MLA of Thongju A/C, and O Lukhoi Singh, MLA of Wangoi A/C as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.