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| October 2, 2005 | Sunday | Sha’aban 27, 1426 |
WOMEN’S HOCKEY: Wapda lift trophy thanks to Aqeela’s goal
KARACHI, Oct 1: Pre-tournament favourites, Wapda, on Saturday proved that their triumph against national champions, Railways, at the last year’s National Games was not a flash in the pan when they dethroned them by scoring a solitary goal victory in the final of the 21st National women’s hockey championship to win their maiden title.
Full back Aqeela Naseem scored the all-important goal off fifth penalty corner in the 67th minute after the barren first half.
Earlier, Lahore Colours brushed aside hosts Karachi Colours 3-0 in the play-off, to secure the bronze.
Tahseen Safdar, captain of the victorious team, received the Begum Akhtar Sulaiman trophy. She also received the Best Goalkeeper award.
Razia Malik of Lahore Colours was declared Best Player of the Tournament while the Highest Scorer award went to Railways Rifat Mehdi.
“It’s the happiest moment of my life and I attribute the victory to great team effort and hard work put in by our coach Mansoor,” a jubilant Wapda captain told Dawn after the final.
Railways coach, Naeem Alam Khan, was not satisfied with the umpiring standards and said at least ten decisions went against his team.
On the run of play, Wapda had the better of title holders Railways by making a number of good moves but goal eluded them.
Both Wapda and Railways earned one penalty corner apiece in the first half in the 8th and 29th minutes respectively but in vain.
After the change of ends, Wapda made repeated attacks in the Railways territory and earned three penalty corners in quick succession between 45 to 50th minute but could not succeed. Railways, too, squandered two penalty corners in the 41st and 46th minutes. Railways Nazish Munir was shown yellow card in the 50th minute.
Wapda’s efforts finally bore fruitful results when Aqeela Naseem scored the match winner off 5th penalty corner just three minute from the final whistle.
Lahore Colours chalked up a 3-0 victory over Karachi Colours to secure bronze. Nousheen Arif, Razia Malik and Saman scored one goal apiece for the winners who led 2-0 at half time.
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