India clinched both the men’s and women’s titles of the seven-nation International Hockey Federation (IHF) Trophy beating hosts Bangladesh in the finals at Shaheed (Capt) M Mansur Ali National Handball Stadium here on Thursday.
Bangladesh’s men’s and women’s team had to satisfy with the runners-up trophies.
Finance Minister AMA Muhith distributed the trophies and medals in the closing ceremony as the chief guest.
State Minister for Youth and Sports Dr Biren Shikder, Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports Arif Khan Joy, Chairman of Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd Engineer Mustafa Anwar, the title sponsor of the meet and BOA Secretary General Syed Shaheed Reza were also present on the occasion.
Defending champions India lifted the men’s crown outplaying Bangladesh by 46-25 goals after dominating the first half by 20-10.
Sohel Rana scored six while Shakir five and Lusai for the Bangladesh and Anil Kudia contributed 11, Virinder eight, Kailash and Sachin six each while Ankit five for India.
Bangladesh started evenly against India in the men’s final but India gradually took the control of the match with their technical and tactical advantage.
Besides, Bangladesh attackers also spoiled a good number of chances at the end of the first half when India took 20-10 lead. Bangladesh failed to turn the match in their favour in the second half when holders India took full control of the match to be the champions.
India also lifted the women’s title beating home side Bangladesh by 48-29 goals after clearly leading the first half by 26-7.
Shifa and Rahima scored eight goals each for Bangladesh while Monika scored eight goals for India.
Later, Anil and Monika of India were adjudged the best male and female players respectively of the tournament.
Pakistan finished 3rd in both the men’s and women’s competition. Nepal were placed 4th in the men’s group and while Sri Lanka 4th in the group section.
In the day’s place-deciding matches, Pakistan beat Nepal by 42-14 goals to win 3rd slot in the men’s competition while they defeated Sri Lanka by 34-16 goals to finish 3rd in the women’s competition.
After the match, head coach of Bangladesh teams Qumrul Islam Kiron said, “India are stronger than us… they have some world class players and they are continuously playing well.”
