09-Dec-2008 323
Bhubaneswar made its debut in hockey by playing host to a domestic hockey tournament for the first today.
The Hi-tech-BSNL State Level 6-a-side Tournament, which is being organised at Kalinga Stadium by international hockey players of the city, got off to a dazzling start with star-studded Orissa Icons, Centre for Excellence and SAIL Hockey Academy chalking out emphatic wins.
SAIL Academy thrashed their Rourkela city opponents Panposh Sports Hostel 4-2 in the opening match. Amardeep Ekka struck twice, while Jerom Lakra and Mangal Kispota contributed a goal each for the winners. J J Munda and Sunil Kujur reduced the margin for Sports Hostel.
In the next two encounters, which were played under lights, Centre for Excellence trounced Orissa Police 11-0, while Orissa Icons outplayed Panposh Sports Hostel 10-2.
Victor Minz started the goal deluge with a hat-trick for Excellence side. His teammates Amulay Minz also pumped in three goals. Dilip Kerketta and Samir Baxla struck a brace each, while the tally was completed by Deepak Ekka.
In the last match of the evening, Orissa Icons, comprising internationals Dilip Tirkey, Lazrus Barla, Prabodh Tirkey and William Xalxo enthralled the crowd, displaying superb skill and technique.
Dilip, the senior most, led the scoring with five goals, including a hat-trick. Lazrus and Prabodh struck twice each, while Rajin Kandulina sounded the board once.
J J Munda and Suresh Toppo scored the two consolation goals for the hostel team, which went out of the three-day tournament, losing both their league matches badly.
Novelties such as floodlights, six-a-side teams, smaller playing arena (42x22 yards), short-duration matches (40 minutes each) and ban on hits, scoops and slap shots made the tournament an instant hit in the city, which is home to several internationals including Dilip, Lazrus and Prabodh.
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