BHOPAL STARTED their campaign in the All-India Inter-SAI Hockey Tournament with a bang routing Gandhi Nagar by 7-2 in the opening match at SAI Centre, Bishenkheri on Sunday. In another match, Bangalore beat Imphal by 4-2.
Bhopal boys dominated the proceedings right from the word go. Sandip scored the first goal in the 10th minute by converting a penalty corner. Leading 1-0, Bhopal lads started taking more chances. Their efforts paid dividends when Antil Nehi capped a strong run-up with a goal in the 19th minute.
However, a mistake by the defense in front of the goalpost provided a penalty corner to Gandhi Nagar and Prashant scored without any resistance.
But aggressive playing fetched Bhopal its third goal in the 30th minute when Rajesh Yadav converted a penalty corner. The first half ended with the scoreboard reading 3-1.
Intensifying attacks in the second half, Bhopal team scored four more goals. The honours went to Akram, Rajesh Yadav and Taz.