LAHORE: The National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) won the National Hockey Championship, overpowering defending champions Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) 4-3 on sudden-death in a pulsating final at the Johar Hockey Stadium here on Sunday.

The score in the hotly contested final remained 2-2 at the end of regulation time, and the shootout stage also did not end the stalemate.

Finally, the match went into the nerve-racking sudden-death stage where the NBP displayed better nerves than PIA.

Centre-forward Ali Shan scored the winner amid jubilation of his team-mates and officials as the NBP eventually claimed the coveted national title.

Earlier, the final started at a slow pace as both teams took time to set the tempo.

After some attacks and counter-attacks from both sides, PIA took lead in the ninth minute through Mohammad Zubair who converted a short-corner.

Shafqat Rasool’s field goal in the 22nd minute put PIA 2-0 ahead and this scoreline remained until the end of first half.

At this stage, it appeared PIA will defend the title easily.

However, the NBP in the second half bounced back strongly with their belligerent forward line making some productive moves. Dilber took control of the ball in the 43rd minute and scored the bankers’ first goal to reduce PIA’s lead to 2-1.

In the 65th minute Kashif Rasul converted a short-corner as the NBP made it 2-2 after which the scoreline stayed same until the end of shoot-out stage.

Earlier, Wapda edged out Sui Southern Gas Company 5-4 to seize third position in the national event.