In a biggest upset, Manipur toppled reigning champions Punjab 4-3 via
tie-breaker, even as semifinalists were spotted in the Men’s senior National Hockey championships here on Wednesday evening.
After a 3-3 draw at regulation time, Manipur prevailed over Punjab in the penalties to storm into the last four for the first time in history wherein a Northeastern state team made the grade, along with Haryana, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh.
In the semi-finals on Friday after today’s rest day, Haryana will clash against Uttar Pradesh, while Manipur will come face to face with Odisha.
The final will be held on November 16.
Earlier in the day, Manipur defeated Punjab 3-3, (4-3) in the first Quarterfinal. Both teams were locked in a 3-3 draw during regulation time. Cyril Lagun (14′, 36′, 51′) scored a hat-trick for Manipur. For Punjab, Ravneet Singh (24′, 59′) and Maninder Singh (18′) were the goal scorers.
In the shootout, Manipur Goalkeeper Hemam Dhanaraj Singh made two crucial saves, while Nilakanta Sharma, who was on target twice, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, and Khadangbam Kothajit Singh successfully converted their chances to secure a memorable win for Manipur.
In the second Quarterfinal, Haryana defeated Maharashtra, 5-1, while Uttar Pradesh defeated Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu, 3-1.
In the last match, Hockey Association of Odisha defeated Hockey Karnataka (3-1) via penalties after both teams were locked in a 3-3 draw.
