Shivendra treble wins it for Air India

Former India international Shivendra Singh scored a hat-trick as Air India got off to a flying start in their opening league match of the 26th Lal Bahadur Shastri hockey tournament at the Shivaji Stadium in the capital on Tuesday. Air India defeated BSF 6-2.

Studded with former stars Sameer Dad, V.S. Vinaya, Vikram Pillay, Prabodh Tirkey and goalkeeper Adrian D’souza, Air India made use of their experienced lineup to put up an authoritative show.

The team opened the scoring in the 9th minute through Shivendra while Nitesh Kiro added another five minutes later, scoring off a penalty corner. The team continued their attacking display and Birender Lakra scored in the 20th minute to put them 3-0 ahead at half time.

In the second half, BSF diplayed better co-ordination and managed to reduce the margin when Sharanjit Singh slammed the boards in the 41st minute.

Air India, however, kept up the pressure and made it 4-1 through Sheshe Gowda (51st minute). Sharanjit again got into the action for BSF scoring two minutes later, but back-to-back strikes from Shivendra (60th, 66th minutes) sealed the issue for Air India.

In the day’s second match, Indian Oil registered their first win of the tournament defeating Indian Air Force 3-1.

The teams played out a barren half with both sides testing each other.

Drag-flicker Gurjinder Singh put Indian Oil ahead in the 50th minute, while skipper Deepak Thakur added to the tally minutes later as the Oilmen took control of the proceedings.

Harwant Singh fetched one for the Air Force team in the 57th minute, but Roshan Minz’s strike two minute later meant the Oilmen collected full points.

Today’s fixtures PNB vs Air India 11:45 am Punjab & Sind Bank vs Indian Railway 2 pm