CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: On the third day of the 36th All India Postal Hockey Championship held at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in Bhopal, Karnataka defeated Odisha 7-1, while Madhya Pradesh secured a 4-1 victory over Punjab.
The first match, between Karnataka and Odisha, saw Karnataka dominating from the start. In the 8th minute, Karnataka’s Ramesh HT scored an easy field goal. Vinayak Bijwad then scored three consecutive field goals in the 14th, 23rd, and 24th minutes, achieving a hat trick. In the 29th minute, Ramesh HT skillfully dodged Odisha’s players to score another goal, followed immediately by MK Nagraj adding another field goal, taking Karnataka to a 6-0 lead.
After halftime, Karnataka slowed the pace of the game, focusing on long passes. Odisha earned a penalty corner in the 48th minute, which was successfully converted into a goal by Dilip Toppo. However, Karnataka’s Shiv Kumar sealed the match in the 56th minute with another field goal, leading his team to a 7-1 victory and securing a spot in the semifinals.
In the second match, Madhya Pradesh faced Punjab. As early as the 6th minute, Asad Kamal from MP showcased his agility and scored the opening goal. In the 19th minute, Mohammed Umar made a swift move to score another goal, followed by Izhar Qureshi and Mohammed Umar adding one goal each in the 21st and 26th minutes, taking MP to a 4-0 lead.
After halftime, MP launched several attacks, but Punjab’s defense managed to prevent further goals. In the 50th minute, Punjab’s Harjinder Bhatti created a brilliant move and scored, ending the match with MP defeating Punjab 4-1.
The ‘Man of the Match’ award for the first game was given to Karnataka’s Vinayak Bijwad, while Mohammed Sahir of Madhya Pradesh was named ‘Man of the Match’ for the second game.
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