~Hockey Punjab defeated Hockey Madhya Pradesh within the ultimate to clinch the title~
Jhansi, sixteenth April 2025: Hockey Punjab lifted the coveted fifteenth Hockey India Senior Males Nationwide Championship 2025 title as they defeated Hockey Madhya Pradesh 4-1 within the ultimate in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh.
Hockey Punjab gained the match in 2023, nevertheless, within the final version, they have been knocked out within the Quarter-Finals by Hockey Maharashtra. This time, led by Captain Hardik Singh and Coach Rajinder Singh, Hockey Punjab have claimed the championship once more.
Hockey Punjab completed their Division 1, Pool A second within the standings, three factors behind Hockey Madhya Pradesh, who dealt them their solely defeat within the match. Within the Quarter-Remaining, Hockey Punjab earned a 3-2 win over Hockey Haryana, adopted by a 4-3 victory in opposition to Uttar Pradesh Hockey within the Semi-Remaining. Regardless of their earlier loss, Hockey Punjab ensured they learnt from their errors and defeated Hockey Madhya Pradesh comfortably within the ultimate.
Jugraj Singh was in prime type for Hockey Punjab having completed the match because the second-highest goalscorer with 5 targets and even recorded a vital brace within the ultimate. Younger sensation Araijeet Singh Hundal additionally performed a vital function within the assault and claimed three targets to his identify.
Reflecting on the match, Hockey Punjab coach Rajinder Singh said, “It was an excellent match for us, and we gave a stable efficiency total. The loss in opposition to Hockey Madhya Pradesh was really a turning level for us. We knew we have been a robust aspect however after that loss, we regrouped and ensured we didn’t take the remainder of the matches calmly.”
Speaking about the crew’s technique, Rajinder Singh stated, “Since we didn’t have a variety of time to coach collectively earlier than the match, so I left it upon the gamers to naturally settle and play since we have now just a few nationwide gamers within the squad. After the loss within the Pool stage, we modified our technique a little bit and shifted from zonal-marking to man-marking which labored out higher for us.”
Within the ultimate, Hockey Punjab conceded a aim first however made an excellent comeback within the second half to seal the match. After the ultimate, Captain Hardik Singh stated, “The plan was to assault from the beginning and the boys executed properly. Although I nonetheless really feel we missed a few probabilities, we’re extraordinarily pleased with the win. It’s at all times nice to carry out within the home circuit, total the competitors was good and it feels good to win the gold medal.”
