LAHORE: Wapda and the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) recorded identical 4-2 victories as two more matches were decided in the Ninth Nishan-i-Haider Hockey Tournament in Bahawalpur on Monday.

Two goals each by Umar Bhuta and Zubair Riaz helped Wapda prevail over PIA while Sibtain Raza’s double helped NBP chalk out victory against Army Reds.

Umar’s 23rd-minute goal cancelled out Inayatullah’s opener for PIA in the 17th minute before Zubair scored twice in the 47th and the 63rd to put Wapda 3-1 up.

Mohammad Irfan gave PIA some hope when he reduced Wapda’s lead three minutes later but Umar sealed the result with his second a minute from time.

Sibtain’s brace in the space of four first-half minutes put NBP 2-0 up by the 20th minute and although Army Reds’ Mohammad Safeer reduced the deficit a minute later, Akbar Ali added the bankers’ third in the 43rd.

Abdul Jabbar pulled one back in the 50th but Ayub Ali’s goal two minutes before the hour mark clinched it for NBP.

Meanwhile, the teams and officials observed a minute’s silence to pay tribute to renowned hockey commentator S. M. Naqi, who passed away in Karachi after a prolonged illness.

Also, former Olympian Samiullah Khan surprised everyone by appearing as chief guest of the day at the Mutiullah Hockey Stadium despite being against the current PHF hierarchy of Akhtar Rasool.

He said that the participation of Olympians and Internationals in such tournaments not only showed their interest for the game but aspiring youngsters also learned a lot from them.

“I am delighted to see all national players playing in the tournament,” Samiullah, who does not accept the elections of the PHF under which Akhtar and Rana Mujahid were elected as president and secretary in December last year, said.

“Their participation in the tournament has enhanced its standard and popularity and they have provided an opportunity for the youngsters of my city to learn hockey ethics and skill from them.”