Hockey: Karnataka lift Rangaswamy Cup

Bangalore - Karnataka created history by winning their maiden Rangaswamy Cup, the symbol of supremacy in the Indian Hockey Federation’s senior National men’s hockey championship after defeating Uttar Pradesh 3-1 in the final here today.

After going into the breather tied 1-1, Karnataka stepped up the pace on resumption and pumped in two more goals even as Uttar Pradesh fought till the end.

The star of Karnataka’s victory was penalty corner specialist Deepak Beijawad who scored twice in the second-half in the 38th and 57th minutes as the hosts, playing their first final since 1968 when they had finished runner-up, emerged deserving winners.

Earlier, in the first half, Umesh K.R. put Karnataka ahead with a third minute strike, but Imran Kumar put Uttar Pradesh on level terms in the 10th minute.

The teams went into half-time locked 1-1 as the match looked set for a thrilling finish. However, Beijawad’s twin conversions sealed the final as Karnataka received a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh while UP were presented Rs.50,000.

Defending champions Mumbai finished third after edging out Punjab 5-4 in the penalty shootout as the teams finished the regulation period and extra-time locked 2-2. Upendra Pillay (12th) and Vikram Singh (47th) scored for Mumbai while Sanjeev Kumar (23rd, 35th) struck both Punjab goals.

Special awards:

Best goalkeeper: Sudhir Dixit (Mumbai); Best defender: Deepak Beijawad; Best half back: Nagasrini Y (Karnataka); Best forward: Satwinder Singh (Punjab); Top scorer: Victo Singh (Mumbai) 12 goals; Player of the championship: Diwakar Ram.