Haryana clinch maiden national title

Haryana lived on the edge of the sword but held their nerves to prevail over favourites Karnataka to win their maiden Senior National Hockey Championship title here on Sunday.

Haryana lived on the edge of the sword but held their nerves to prevail over favourites Karnataka to win their maiden Senior National Hockey Championship title here on Sunday.

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Drag-flicker Sandeep Singh gave them an early lead but Karnataka fought back with some fast breaks to snatch back the initiative. Karnataka levelled the score in the 41st minute when VR Raghunath converted a penalty-corner.

Mandeep Antil struck a superb reverse hit off a move by Sher Singh against the run of play to put Haryana 2-1 ahead.

Karnataka attacked in numbers, but bad luck and good defending by Haryana meant the losers had to be satisfied with the runners-up spot.