Kerala: With hockey entering into its last leg at the 35th National Games, the two semi final games played at the New Hockey Stadium, Kollam (Kerala) witnessed nerve-racking and thrilling clashes of Haryana eves taking on Jharkhand and Odisha women challenging the mighty Punjab, early morning today. Whilst Haryana and Jharkhand battled it out in the Shoot-Out phase with Haryana finally winning the game in the sudden death, Punjab recorded a comfortable triumph over Odisha as it blanked the latter 3-0.
The first hockey semi final of the National Games saw both the teams- Haryana and Jharkhand starting the game at equal high, playing with full enthusiasm and zeal, with a clear intent to book a berth in the finale. The action packed match had both the sides playing an attacking game, looking for chances to open their scoring account and gain a lead while the defenders put in their best efforts to restrict the opponents from entering their D and get hold of any chances to reach the nets. Amidst the best game play, Jyoti Gupta of Haryana found a gap and managed to sneak in the first goal of the match, giving her side a lead much wished for.
In the subsequent game, Punjab registered an easy win of 3-0 over Odisha, blanking the latter to set up a final with Haryana. Continuing her luminous performance in the Games, Anuradha Thokchom of Punjab scored the initial goal for her team and this lead soared up the confidence of her team. With boosted buoyancy, the women from Punjab went on to dominate the entire game throughout the first half giving the opponents no chance to score.
Jharkhand will play Odisha in the 3rd/4th place playoffs slated to be played on 11 February 2015 at 0730 HRS IST while Haryana will meet Punjab in the finals at 1330 HRS IST at New Hockey Stadium, Kollam (Kerala).
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