Punjab Police and Indian Oil defeated Punjab National Bank and BSF respectively to book berths in the semifinals of the 43rd Nehru hockey tournament at Shivaji stadium in New Delhi on Thursday.
In the two quarterfinals played at the Shivaji Stadium, Punjab Police defeated PNB, Delhi by 2-0 while Indian Oil overcame BSF, Jalandhar by 2-1.
The Indian Oil-BSF encounter was a thrilling affair as the match was decided in the final 10 minutes.
Ace striker Deepak Thakur put the oilmen ahead with a 20th minute field goal.
However, BSF's Mandeep Singh Saini shot home in the 42nd minute to level the scores.
Fought neck and neck, the match was all set to go into extra-time when Indian Oil forwards forced their way to earn a penalty corner. Deedar Singh (60th minute) converted the crucial chance to see his side through to the semifinals.
Punjab Police did not have much trouble in advancing to the last four stages. Satwinder Singh (11th minute) provided the breakthrough for the cops in the initial stage of the game by scoring a field goal.
Four minutes after the break, Gagandeep Singh (39th minute) extended the lead for the Punjab team, who maintained it till the hooter to emerge winners.
{{/usCountry}}Four minutes after the break, Gagandeep Singh (39th minute) extended the lead for the Punjab team, who maintained it till the hooter to emerge winners.
{{/usCountry}}In the semis clashes on Friday, Namdhari XI will meet Bharat Petroleum while Punjab Police will lock horns with Indian Oil.