Pune, June 26, 2023: Income Tax, Pune, and PCMC Academy marked their opening matches in the Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Hockey Tournament 2023 with convincing wins against their respective opponents. The games took place at the Major Dhyanchand Hockey Stadium in Nehrunagar, Pimpri, on Monday.
The day kicked off with Income Tax dominating Hockey Lovers Academy with a resounding 5-0 victory. The first quarter remained goalless, but Income Tax broke the deadlock in the 18th minute with a goal from Nitin Nandandori. They quickly added two more goals through Ashutosh Lingesh (20th) and Atharva Kamble (28th) to take a comfortable 3-0 lead at halftime.
In the second half, Income Tax continued their dominance as Atharva (37th) netted his second goal of the match, followed by Ajitesh Roy (57th) sealing the final scoreline at 5-0.
In another match, PCMC Academy secured a 4-1 victory over Friends Union, thanks to a brace of goals by Ajinkya Naiknaware. PCMC Academy opened the scoring with Rutik Kamble (26th) finding the back of the net, and Sourabh Patil (30th) extended their lead with a penalty-corner conversion. Ajinkya Naiknaware (44th) added another goal for PCMC Academy, while Aftab Shaikh (52nd) scored a consolation goal for Friends Union. Ajinkya (54th) completed the 4-1 win for PCMC Academy.
The tournament was inaugurated by Mahendra Nikalje, President of the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Tournament Committee, and former player of Chikhalwadi Young Boys. The opening ceremony was attended by Mrs. Deepa Nikhalje and Sunil Ranpise, Vice President of the tournament committee.
RESULTS
Income Tax Pune: 5 (Nikhil Nandandori 18th; Ashutosh Lingesh 20th; Atharva Kamble 28th, 37th; Ajitesh Roy 57th) bt Hockey Lovers Academy: 0. HT: 3-0
PCMC Academy: 4 (Rutik Kamble 26th; Sourabh Patil 30th – p.c; Ajinkya Naiknaware 44th, 54th) bt Friends Union: 1 (Aftab Shaikh 52nd). HT:
UPCOMING FIXTURES (TUESDAY)
Excellency Hockey Academy vs. Railway Police Line Boys – 1.30 pm; Khadki Hockey Academy vs. Hockey Lovers Sports Club – 3.00 pm.
