LAHORE, April 6: Aided by a second half winner from Rahim Khan, PIA retained their crown in style after edging Allied Bank (ABL) out 2-1 in the final of 49th national hockey championship Saturday.

Rahim, famous for his innovative reverse hit, rescued PIA with a 61st minute match-winner. Both the teams were locked at 2-2 till the 60th minute.

The former international, axed along with few other veterans including star striker Shahbaz Ahmad after 1998 Urecht World Cup debacle, had been instrumental in PIA’s triumph against Habib Bank in the last championship’s final.

The defending champions were on the attack straight from the beginning and dominated the 15 minutes of the first session. They launched onslaughts utilising both the wings but missed sitters.

But apart from PIA’s complacency, ABL goalkeeper Ashfaq was also on constant vigil under the bar and at least denied PIA twice who launched back-to-back assaults.

The former Pakistan coach Khawaja Junaid and Naveed Alam did not allow PIA penetrate their territory.

Both the sides kept each other on toes, making inroads in each other’s goal area but their defences were always on the alert.

Like Ashfaq, PIA goalkeeper Ahmad Alam, who has retired from international hockey after last August’s Azlan Shah Cup in Kuala Lumpur, also thwarted two attempts from ABL.

The first session remained barren despite some efforts from both the sides.

The national airlines, having a star-studded but over-the-hill lineup, including left-winger Shahbaz, who has staged his third comeback into the national side and also played Kuala Lumpur World Cup, drew first blood after restart.

Skipper Kamran Ashraf, another veteran and an Olympian, slammed home the first in the 41st minute.

However PIA’s joy was short-lived as ABL levelled the scores 1-1 in the 53rd minute on an indirect try on a three-touch movement.

Junaid passed the ball to Mohammad Saqlain, his pass was deflected into the cage by Asif Bajwa.

It looked like the game will enter into extra time but after tense seven minutes Rahim saved PIA’s blushes with a push from close range that enabled PIA walk triumphantly with the coveted trophy.

Earlier, NBP, in a one-sided tie, crushed HBL 6-1 to secure the third place.

NBP skipper Tahir Zaman scored the first goal for  the NBP in the third minute. Muhammad Nadeem doubled the lead in the fifth minute.

HBL, last season’s runners-up, got their only consolation through Pakistan centre-forward Kashif Jawwad in the 22nd minute.

NBP kept on toying with the HBL yet into the second period who had several internationals in their ranks.

NBP again forged 3-1 ahead when Asif scored his first goal   in the 31st minute. Zahid Iqbal made it 4-1 the very next minute.  NBP consolidated their lead when Sumair Saleem found the net in the 40th minute. Asif scored his second goal off a penalty corner to seal HBL’s fate in the 68th minute.

PTCL goalkeeper Salman Akbar was adjudged Player-of-the-tournament and pocketed Rs75,000. PIA’s half-back Mohammad Aqeel, declared   Player-of-the-Match received a cash prize of Rs50,000.  Ali Raza of PIA and ABL goalkeeper Ashfaq were declared as the Players-of-the-semifinals. They were awarded Rs25,000.

NBP’s Asif Ahmad became the Player-of-the-Match of the third place playoff against HBL and also received Rs25,000.