Haridwar – Manipur and Madhya Pradesh clinched crucial victories in the women’s hockey competition at the ongoing 38th National Games, while Karnataka and Maharashtra continued their dominance in the men’s category.
In the day’s opening match, Manipur overpowered hosts Uttarakhand 5-2, with goals from Bramhacharimayum Sarita Devi (3rd minute), Suman Devi Thoudam (24th), Chanu Lanchenbi Khundrakpam (44th, 47th), and Devi Thounaojam Nirupama (51st). Despite Saloni Pilkhwal’s brace (2nd, 49th minute) for the hosts, Uttarakhand suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, leading to their elimination. Meanwhile, Manipur secured their first victory, placing fourth in Pool B with four points from three games.
In another Pool A encounter,Madhya Pradesh edged out West Bengal 2-1, maintaining their top position in the group. Nilanjali Rai (19th minute, penalty corner) and Anjali Gautam (35th minute) secured the win, while Subila Tirkey (37th minute, penalty corner) netted the lone goal for West Bengal.
Men’s Hockey: Maharashtra and Karnataka Secure Wins
In the men’s tournament, Maharashtra battled past Uttarakhand 2-1 in a closely fought Pool B encounter. Govind Singh Bisht (5th minute) gave the hosts an early lead, but Maharashtra captain Sunil Walmiki (14th, 26th minutes) converted two penalty corners to seal the victory. Maharashtra now sits second in Pool B with seven points, while Uttarakhand exits the competition with just one point from four matches.
Later, Karnataka continued their dominant run, defeating Manipur 4-1 to stay atop Pool A. Ganesh Majji (18th), Surya N M (31st), Bharath Mahalingappa Kurtakoti (54th), and Shamanth C (55th) each found the back of the net, while Irengbam Rohit Singh (47th) scored Manipur’s only goal. Karnataka remains unbeaten with nine points from three games, whereas Manipur has been eliminated with just one point from three outings.
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