Income Tax and Krida Prabodhini Demonstrate Superiority in Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Hockey Tournament
Pune, 29 June 2023: The senior league teams, Income Tax and Krida Prabodhini, showcased their dominance in the Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Hockey Tournament 2023, securing convincing victories to advance to the semifinals. The matches took place at the Major Dhyanchand Hockey Stadium in Nehrunagar, Pimpri on Thursday.
In the first quarterfinal, Income Tax Pune displayed their superiority over PCMC Academy, resulting in a one-sided encounter that ended with a resounding 6-0 victory for Income Tax Pune.
Bhim Batala emerged as the star performer for Income Tax Pune, scoring two goals in the 11th and 26th minutes. Ranjit Kullu added to the tally with a goal in the 13th minute from a penalty corner, securing a comfortable 3-0 lead for Income Tax Pune at halftime. The team continued their dominance in the second half, with Nitin Nandandori scoring early in the 31st minute. Tejas Chavan capitalized on the opportunity, netting two goals in the 34th and 55th minutes, concluding the match with a six-goal advantage for Income Tax Pune.
In the other thrilling encounter, Krida Prabodhini faced off against Railway Line Boys in a high-scoring match that ended with an 8-3 victory for Krida Prabodhini. Krida Prabodhini displayed effortless play, establishing a commanding 3-0 lead with a penalty corner goal, a penalty stroke goal, and a field goal.
Mayur Dhanavade opened the scoring for Krida Prabodhini in the 11th minute from a penalty corner, followed by Vinayak Hande’s successful push past the goalkeeper in the 25th minute. Sagar Shingade contributed with a goal in the 27th minute, the first of his three goals in the match, allowing Krida Prabodhini to take a commanding 3-0 lead at halftime.
Railway Line Boys managed to pull one back through Rohan Musale in the 38th minute, reducing the deficit to 3-1. However, Krida Prabodhini responded with four consecutive goals – Sagar Shingade scoring in the 40th and 44th minutes, Vinayak Hande in the 42nd minute, and Venkatesh Kenche in the 43rd minute – extending their lead to 7-1.
Railway Line Boys’ Uday Baramatikar scored in the 55th minute, making it 7-2, but Krida Prabodhini quickly responded with Venkatesh Kenche’s goal in the 57th minute, bringing the scoreline to 8-2. Amol Bhosale scored a consolation goal for Railway Line Boys in the 58th minute, narrowing the margin to 8-3.
The results of the quarterfinals are as follows:
Quarterfinal 1: Income Tax Pune 6 (Bhim Batala 11th, 26th; Ranjit Kullu 13th – p.c; Nitin Nandandori 31st; Tejas Chavan 34th, 55th) defeated PCMC Academy 0. Halftime: 3-0.
Quarterfinal 2: Krida Prabodhini 8 (Mayur Dhanavade 11th – p.c; Vinayak Hande 25th – p.s, 42nd; Sagar Shingade 27th, 40th, 44th; Venkatesh Kenche 43rd, 57th) defeated Railway Line Boys 3 (Rohan Musale 38th, Uday Baramatikar 55th; Amol Bhosale 58th – p.c). Halftime: 3-0.
The upcoming fixtures for Friday are as follows:
GST & Customs, Pune vs. Hockey Lovers Sports Club at 1:30 pm. Kids XI vs. Central Railway, Pune at 3:30 pm.
