The Bhopal circle of the State Bank of India (SBI) on Tuesday won the All Indian State Bank inter-circle hockey tournament by defeating Hyderabad circle by 6-3.This is the second consecutive time, when the Bhopal circle emerged victorious in the final match. The tournament was played at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in lucknow.
A penalty goal by Ml Katare put the Bhopal team ahead in the seventh minute, while after six minute on the pass of Khalid Yar, Mohammad Naeem scored a field goal and made the lead 2-0.
Hyderabad however scored their first goal by Bheemlal at the twenty-seventh minute.But Bhopal continued to hold the whip and led with 4-1 at the half time; thanks to the splendid efforts of Rafiq-ur-Rehman and Khalid Yar.
In the second half, Hyderabad tried to bounce back and took the score 4-2 with a goal by J Philip at the 45th minute, after which Bhopal played aggressively and by making two consecutive goals from Jawed Habib in the fiftieth and fifty-third minute, took the score 6-2.
Hyderabad reduced the margin by a penalty goal from Bheemlal minutes before the end of the game.Bhopal dominated the match with good passes and exhibited a good coordination among the players. Khalid Yar was awarded man of the match for his outstanding performance.