Madhya Pradesh and Punjab Advance to National Hockey Championship Final

Semi-Final Highlights

Madhya Pradesh and Punjab secured their places in the final of the National Hockey Championship after triumphing over Manipur and Uttar Pradesh in their respective semi-final matches held on Sunday.

In the first semi-final, Madhya Pradesh outperformed Manipur with a score of 5-3. The team's captain, Yousuf Affan, made a significant impact by scoring two goals at the 5th and 34th minutes, while Ali Ahmad also netted twice at the 7th and 15th minutes. Mohammad Zaid Khan contributed with an additional goal in the 49th minute.

Manipur's efforts came from Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, who scored in the 47th minute, followed by skipper Chinglensana Singh Kangujam and Laishram Dipu Singh, who found the net in the 50th and 53rd minutes, respectively.

In the second semi-final, Punjab faced a tough challenge but ultimately defeated Uttar Pradesh 4-3. Jasjit Singh Kular was a standout player, scoring two goals at the 14th and 40th minutes. Harjeet Singh and Jugraj Singh also contributed with goals in the 22nd and 45th minutes.

Uttar Pradesh's Sharda Nand Tiwari made a notable effort by scoring twice in quick succession at the 41st and 43rd minutes, while Pawan Rajbhar added another goal to their tally.