Khalsa clinch second league title in a row
Defending champions send Punjab packing with dominant performance in all facets of play
Khalsa clinched their second men's hockey league title in a row when they swept to a convincing 5-1 victory over Punjab at Happy Valley on Sunday.
The ease with which they dispatched their opponents who were in second place in the Premier Division standings just underscored the dominance of the club, which over the past two seasons has dominated the local hockey scene, and could continue for some time with a flourishing youth programme in tow.
"It is great to retain the league title for another season, but what this does is it also encourages our youngsters who look up to the senior team who are mentors to them," said elated Khlasa manager Gurucharan Singh. "We have more than 50 kids from the age of eight to 16 in our development programme and, to them, these guys are their heroes and winning just makes it better."
It is great to retain the league title for another season, but what this does is it also encourages our youngsters who look up to the senior team who are mentors to them
Two goals each from Inderpal Singh and Ahmed Ewas plus one from Arshad Khan sealed a handsome victory for Khalsa, who began the game leading Punjab by two points in the standings.
The victory made their lead unassailable and it was one big celebration after the game as Hong Kong Hockey Association officials presented the silverware to the team.
"Everything went according to plan today. The guys put their heart and soul into finishing it off today," said Gurucharan Singh. "Defending our league title is a huge achievement and it speaks volumes for the great morale in the dressing room. Everyone is united and that has been a crucial aspect of our campaign."
Khalsa led 2-0 at half-time from a field goal by Inderpal Singh and a drag-flick from a short corner by Ewas, but could easily have had a couple more in the bag having failed to score from quick counter-attacks and with four-on-two situations.