9-a-Side Hockey title goes to Afzal Manna IX

LAHORE: Afzal Manna IX defeated Saeed Anwar IX by 3-1 in the final of the 9-A-Side Shezan Hockey Gold Cup at the National Hockey Stadium on Saturday.

It was quite an entertaining match and both teams displayed fast and skillful hockey. For the winning side, Zeeshan Bukhari, Faraz and Wasim Akram scored through field attempts and from Saeed Anwar IX a solitary goal was netted by the nimble footed forward Hammad Anjum.

Interestingly, the third position match was played between teams named after two real brothers Munir Dar and Tanvir Dar, the finest penalty corner experts of their respective eras. In a closely fought encounter, Tanvir Dar IX managed to beat Munir Dar IX 3-2. The 5th/6th playoff turned out to be the highest scoring match of the entire tournament. Brigadier MH Atif IX defeated Ch. Ghulam Rasool IX 4-3. Zeeshan Bukhari of Afzal Manna IX was declared the Best Player of the Tournament. Muneen also of Afzal Manna IX was named the Best Goal Keeper of the Tournament. Pakistan’s former cricket captain Aamir Sohail, who was the chief guest on the final day, distributed the prizes.