PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, June 5: The 1st Hockey Ranchi League Men and Women, 2024 kicked off with great fervour on April 20 and concluded on June 2 at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, witnessing thrilling matches, exceptional hockey dexterity, and dedication of the players.
Hosted in Ranchi, Jharkhand, 1st Hockey Ranchi League commemorated the spirit of hockey and also served as a platform to foster the growth of hockey at both the grassroots and professional levels.
The league witnessed participation from numerous talented men’s and women’s teams across the state, each vying for supremacy on the turf.
The men’s league featured teams such as Hockey Gumla, NTHA Jamshedpur, Cini Khunti, Jadur Akhara Khunti, Railway, Bapu Club, Jharkhand 11 etc.
NTHA won its first match 11-0
The first match of Naval Tata Hockey Academy (NTHA) was played on April 21 against Team Jadur Akhara Khunti. Under the guidance of coaches, Team NTHA smashed Team Jadur Akhara by a score-line of 11-0. In the second clash against Team CINI, the team secured a dominant victory, triumphing 8-0.
Despite contending with scorching weather conditions, the 14-player squad of NTHA exhibited outstanding performance. Naveen Kerketta, Pradeep, Tushar Parmar, and Md. Jaeed played with impressive skills, scoring 3, 2, 2, and 1 goal(s) respectively.
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NTHA beat Hulhundu Brothers 9-0 in its third match
On May 12, team NTHA played their 3rd match and secured a commanding 9-0 victory against Team Hulhundu Brothers. Despite facing a ferocious opponent, the cadets delivered an outstanding performance, leaving everyone in awe. Mangra, Dilbar, and Deepak each netted 2 goals, while Sukhnath, Simon, and Pradeep contributed with one goal apiece.
The team’s collective effort and determination on the field were evident throughout the match, solidifying their position as a force. This impressive win set a strong foundation and instilled for future matches.
As the league progressed, on May 19, the boys portrayed stellar teamwork and dexterity in the 4th Ranchi league match, defeating Team Jharkhand 11 with a 2-0 win.
NTHA earned 6-0 win in semi-final
In a match pulsating with emotions, the team emerged triumphant in the Semi-Final clash against Team Faguwa XI, scripting a memorable 6-0 win.
Simon Bodra’s goal from a penalty corner, followed by Deepak’s double strikes and Sem Munda’s goal from a penalty corner gave them a lead. Adison and Dilbar’s goals sealed a berth at the finals, sparking euphoria among the players.
NTHA wins final in penalty shootout
On June 2, the grand finale evening was attended by several distinguished guests, notably, Bhola Nath Singh, President, Hockey Jharkhand and General Secretary of Hockey India, Vice-President, Asian Hockey Federation along with Gurmeet Singh Rao, Project Direct, Naval Tata Hockey Academy.
The atmosphere was electric as NTHA and Bapu club battled it out for the coveted trophy. In the nail-biting final showdown, Naval Tata Hockey Academy team emerged victorious against Bapu Club in the penalty shootout.
The pressure of the penalty shootout tested the nerves, but NTHA held their composure, ultimately securing the Champion Title.
