Haryana pip AP to retain Fed Cup Korfball

Chandigarh, May 27 (UNI) Haryana retained their title by edging out a never-say-die Andhra Pradesh by 11-10 in an absorbing final of the Federation Cup Korfball Tournament played at the Punjab University Campus here today.

In an evenly contest final, Haryana's Kuldeep emerged hero of his team by top scoring with four goals. He was well supported by Paramjit (2) and Parveen (2). The Haryana trio kept on the pressure on their rivals and clinched the title with a hard-fought victory.

Andhra Pradesh's Somlatha (2), Hafeeza (2) and Daniel (2) put up a brave fight before going down.

Jammu and Kashmir finished third at the expense of Uttar Pradesh whom they beat by a comfortable 13-7 margin. J&K owed their triumph to Irfan and Manjit who contributed five goals each. Ashwani and Shirfan made two and one goals respectively. For Uttar Pradesh Jagdish waged a spirited fight to post four goals. Reena (2) and Parveen (1) were the other contributors for Uttar Pradesh.

Mr S K Arora, Secretary Sports, Union Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, distributed the prizes.

Results Final: Haryana (Kuldeep 4, Paramjit 2, Parveen 2, Neetu 1, Pardeep 1, Seema Rani 1) bt Andhra Pradesh (Somlatha 2, Hafeeza 2, Daniel 2, Rahul, Praveen, Shirsha and Afzal 1 each) by 11-10.

For third and fourth positions: Jammu and Kashmir (Ifran 5, Manjit 5, Ashwani 2, Shirfan 1) bt Uttar Pradesh (Jagdish 4, Reena 2, Parveen 1) by 13-7.

Semi-finals: AP (Shrisha 3, Afzal 4, Praveen 2, Daniel 1, Rahul 1, Shalini 1) bt Jammu and Kashmir (Irfan 4, Meenakshi 2, Manjit 1, Shefan 1, Ashwani 1) by 12-9.

Haryana (Paramjit 4, Parveen 4, Pardeep 4, Kuldip 3, Monika 2, Paramjit Kaur 2, Monika Jr 2) bt Uttar Pradesh (Sushant 5, Parveen 4, Reena 2, Priti 2, Jagdish 1, Gaurav 1, Deevansh 1) by 21-16.

UNI