Hockey: PIA become national champions for the 26th time

Kashif scores hat-trick, including golden goal, in 4-3 win over WAPDA.

KARACHI:

National Hockey Championship's two best sides played the most thrilling match of the tournament, the final, as PIA captured their 26th national crown courtesy a golden goal win over Wapda with the scores tied 3-3.

Muzammil Bhatti's strike in the first-half of extra-time sealed Wapda's fate. It was also an apt revenge of the round-robin 4-2 defeat that had allowed Wapda to top the tables.

PIA were also thankful to full-back Kashif Ali, whose hat-trick – with goals in the 26th, 52nd and 63rd minute – aided the champion's progress.

Waseem Ahmed levelled the tie for Wapda in the 39th minute before goals from Aleem Iqbal took the match into extra-time as PIA came out worthy winners.

Despite a close contest, winning captain Mohammad Zubair termed his side better than Wapda.

"We played better than them and I was confident of a win," Zubair told The Express Tribune. "It feels good to extend PIA's winning spree and we've learnt a lot from this event."

Butt satisfied with WAPDA's show

Meanwhile, Wapda captain Rehan Butt remained satisfied with his team's show despite being runners-up.

"It was a tough final," said Butt. "Losing on a golden goal is always unfortunate and my team deserves the praise."

The former Pakistan captain, who was given special permission to take part in the event with the selectors asking him to prove his fitness, was also satisfied with his performance.

"I believe I played well and proved my fitness. I scored ten goals in the tournament and now it's up to the selection committee to decide my fate."

Shabbir helps SSGC claim bronze 

Meanwhile, Shabbir Ahmed's hat-trick helped SSGC claim bronze medal after a 3-2 win over Army in the third position match.

Shabbir scored in the 34th minute to give his side the lead before adding a second in the 43rd.

However, Army fought back through Abdul Jabbar and Mohammad Imran but Shabbir's third sealed the result for SSGC.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 12^th, 2012.