4th Senior Nationals: Debutants Hockey Gangpur, Vidarbha Hockey Association hit winning ways

Debutants Hockey Gangpur- Odisha and Vidarbha Hockey Association launched their campaigns in the ‘B’ division of the 4th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship on a winning note at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium in Lucknow on Thursday.

Featuring in the lung-opener Hockey Gangpur- Odisha hammered Puducherry 9-2 in a Pool C match. Bruno Hedrino Lugun and Banamali Xess scored twice, while Amarjeet Ekka, Kishor Lakra, Bikash Toppo, Roshan Minz and Ashish Anmol Minz chipped in with a goal each for the winners. N Sellamuthu and N Kamalakannan scored two solace goals for Puducherry.

Vidarbha Hockey Association kickstarted their campaign in Pool D, scripting a 2-1 win over Delhi riding on a brace from Dalbir Singh.

In other matches, Bengal eased past Tripura 4-0 in Pool C. Chhattisgarh played out a 1-1 draw against debutants Central Reserve Police Force in Pool D, while Maharashtra spanked Kerala 8-0 in the same pool.

As many as 22 teams are participating in the national ‘B’ division – the two-tier format being put in place for the first time in the seniors nationals.