Punjab crash out of national women hockey championship

Jalandhar, Feb 3 (UNI) Former champions Punjab, crashed out of the 55th Rakshak Senior Women Hockey National Championship, going down 3-2 to Jharkhand in a Pool-B match at the Surjit Singh hockey stadium here today.

Jharkhand shot into the lead in the 25th minute of the match, but the hosts drew parity in the 32nd minute by converting a penalty corner. Both teams remained level at 1-1 at the end of the first half.

Punjab again took the lead when they converted another penalty corner in the 47th minute. However, two minutes later Jharkhand drew level and then in the 58th minute scored the winning goal.

In the other two matches of the day, strong contenders Haryana trashed Orissa 7-2, with international Mamta Kharab converting three penalty corners.

In the third match, Uttar Pradesh defeated Chattisgarh 4-0.

With todays victories, both Haryana and Jharkhand have now moved into the semi finals.

UNI XC-HS rar ht1950