26-Jul-2009 228
An inspired Media XI beat Legislators XI 3-2 in the final, via sudden-death to win the Tata Steel Festival Football Tournament at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar today.
Play in the regulation time (30 minutes) ended in 1-1 draw with Kandhamal MLA Debendra Kanhar giving legislators the lead and mediamen equalising through captain Srinibash Mishra.
The stalemate continued further as both the teams scored once each in the tie-breaker. In the sudden death, Media XI took the lead through Asit Satpathy before custodian Dhruba Mishra clinched victory by saving the opposition spot kick.
Earlier in the semifinals, Media XI pipped Administrators XI 4-3 via penalty shoot out, while Legislators XI prevailed over host Tata XI 1-0. Debendra Kanhar (Legislators XI), Ashok Apat, Dhruba Mishra (both Media XI) and Saswat Mishra (Administrators XI) were adjudged as man of the tournament, man of the final, best goalkeeper and best defender respectively.
SCST Development Minister Bijay Ranjan Singh Bariha, legislators Arun Sahoo and Gregory Minz were also awarded for their impressive individual performance. Sports Minister Pravin Chandra Bhanjadeo, Tata Steel Vice-president Partha Sengupta and Agculture Secretary U P Singh gave away the prizes at the closing function.
Photo: Mediamen celebrate after winning the Tata Steel Festival Football Tournament in Bhubaneswar today.
