Karnataka’s hockey team is on a mission. After a strong performance in the senior national men’s hockey championships, it’s clear the team has its sights set on gold. In a thrilling match on Tuesday, Karnataka secured a dominant 5-1 victory over Chandigarh, with standout player Mohammed Raheel Mouseen scoring twice. This win propelled Karnataka into the knockout stage (quarterfinals), showing the team’s determination and focus.
Karnataka’s Road to Victory
Karnataka has been consistent in the tournament, demonstrating skill and coordination. The 5-1 win against Chandigarh showcased the team’s attacking prowess and defensive strength. Mohammed Raheel Mouseen shone, scoring two of Karnataka’s five goals. N. M. Surya, Bharat Mahalingappa Kurtakoti, and Manjeet also contributed to the scoreboard, each adding to Karnataka’s growing confidence and momentum.
The match was crucial for Karnataka, securing its place in the quarterfinals and boosting morale. With each victory, Karnataka inches closer to its ultimate goal – winning the national championship and bringing home the gold.
Tamil Nadu’s Impressive Comeback Against Madhya Pradesh
The last match of the day saw Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh in a thrilling battle. Madhya Pradesh took an early lead, scoring twice and putting Tamil Nadu under pressure. But Tamil Nadu staged a remarkable comeback, leveling the score to finish the game in a 2-2 draw.
Tamil Nadu’s resilience showed in this comeback. K. Selvaraj scored in the 42nd minute, and S. Shanmugavel found the net in the 53rd minute, helping Tamil Nadu secure a vital point in the standings. Tamil Nadu will now play its final group match against Andaman & Nicobar on November 7, a match that could determine its spot in the quarterfinals.
Madhya Pradesh’s Journey and Final Group Match
Madhya Pradesh, like Tamil Nadu, has shown promise. With one win and a draw, MP has kept itself in contention for the quarterfinals. Love Kumar Kanojiya and Akshay Dubey scored for Madhya Pradesh in their match against Tamil Nadu, showcasing the team’s offensive strength.
Madhya Pradesh’s final group match will be against Andhra Pradesh on Thursday. A win could secure a spot in the knockouts, adding more excitement to the tournament. Both Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh are eager to advance, making the upcoming matches high-stakes encounters.
Pool C: Andhra Pradesh Dominates Andaman & Nicobar
Andhra Pradesh put on an extraordinary display, winning 13-0 against Andaman & Nicobar in Pool C. K. Harsha Kamal Teja led the charge, scoring six goals, while Lekkala Hitesh Rao contributed five, with goals in the 13th, 15th, 21st, 41st, 48th, 49th, 55th, and 56th minutes. Galla Siva Pramod, Tatiparthi Aron Saroj Anand Raj, and Maddimeni Rajesh also found the net, making it a one-sided game.
This commanding win keeps Andhra Pradesh in contention, demonstrating the team’s scoring power. With Madhya Pradesh up next, Andhra Pradesh aims to carry this momentum forward to improve its chances in the tournament.
Pool D: Karnataka’s Big Win Over Chandigarh
Karnataka’s impressive performance against Chandigarh in Pool D marks the team as a top contender. Scoring five goals against Chandigarh, Karnataka’s players dominated the field. N. M. Surya opened the scoreline in the 10th minute, and Bharat Mahalingappa Kurtakoti scored soon after. Mohammed Raheel Mouseen added two more goals, while Manjeet sealed the win in the 59th minute.
Chandigarh managed to score once, with Sunil hitting the target in the 19th minute. However, Karnataka’s solid defense and effective counterattacks kept Chandigarh at bay. Karnataka’s entry into the quarterfinals reflects its determination and readiness to go further in the championship.
Pool F: Delhi Cruises Past Jammu & Kashmir
Delhi showcased its strength with a resounding 6-0 victory over Jammu & Kashmir in Pool F. Bharat opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, setting the tone for the match. Govind Singh Bisht, Mukul Sharma, Vikas Upadhyay, and Nitesh joined him on the scoreboard, leaving Jammu & Kashmir struggling to keep up.
Delhi’s impressive win highlights the team’s skill and coordination. With strong performances like this, Delhi remains a team to watch as the championship progresses.
Pool H: Bengal Shines Against Assam
Bengal left no doubt about its intentions in Pool H, winning 10-0 against Assam. Rajendra Oram led Bengal’s attack with goals in the 4th and 58th minutes. Raushan Kumar, Avoy Ekka, Alsem Lakra, Milan Saha, Sunil Jojo, and Nitesh Neupane also scored, showcasing Bengal’s depth and versatility.
This dominant victory strengthens Bengal’s position in Pool H, making it a formidable opponent in the tournament. With a solid defense and a sharp attack, Bengal has the potential to advance far in the championship.
Key Players Making an Impact
Several players have made their mark in this championship:
- Mohammed Raheel Mouseen (Karnataka): His two goals against Chandigarh were crucial in securing Karnataka’s spot in the quarterfinals.
- K. Harsha Kamal Teja (Andhra Pradesh): Scoring six goals in one match, Teja demonstrated his remarkable skill and scoring ability.
- K. Selvaraj and S. Shanmugavel (Tamil Nadu): Their goals helped Tamil Nadu secure a vital draw against Madhya Pradesh, showcasing resilience and teamwork.
- Rajendra Oram (Bengal): Oram’s two goals against Assam contributed to Bengal’s dominant performance.
These players continue to shine, pushing their teams closer to victory.
The Road Ahead: Quarterfinals and Key Matches
As teams edge closer to the quarterfinals, every match counts. Karnataka has secured its place, but others like Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh still need strong performances in their final group matches. Andhra Pradesh’s matchup with Madhya Pradesh is one to watch, with both teams vying for a quarterfinal spot.
The quarterfinal stage promises intense battles as top teams clash. Karnataka, with its impressive record, looks well-prepared to make a deep run, while teams like Delhi and Bengal have shown the skill and determination needed to advance.
Karnataka’s Quest for Gold
Karnataka’s journey through the championship has been promising. With its sights set on the top prize, the team’s focus remains sharp. Every match brings Karnataka closer to its goal, with players like Mohammed Raheel Mouseen leading the charge. Karnataka’s ability to balance offense and defense gives it an edge, making it a strong contender for the gold.
Conclusion: A Championship Full of Excitement
The senior national men’s hockey championship has delivered thrilling matches, incredible comebacks, and outstanding individual performances. Karnataka stands out as a top contender, with a clear path to the quarterfinals and a vision for the gold. Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, and Bengal have all displayed skill, resilience, and sportsmanship, adding to the excitement of the tournament.
As the championship progresses, fans can look forward to more competitive matches and unforgettable moments. The journey to the finals is filled with determination and passion, as teams battle for the top honors in Indian men’s hockey.
