KALADAN NEWS

Dated: Friday, October 08, 2004

U-21 Challenge Cup Final Today

Chittagong, October 8: Bangladesh gets champion in the five–nation competition today beating India 4-2 in the place–deciding match at the Maulana Bashani Stadium today, according to Bangla NTV of Bangladesh.

The U-21 International Hockey Tournament was organized by Bangladesh Hockey Federation, which was started on 30th September 2004.

A 29 member-team including 24 players, 4 observers led by U Kyaw Naing arrived at Dhaka on 25^th September from Rangoon to participate at the International Hockey Tournament.

In the first game of the tournament Burma lost to the host Bangladesh 3-0.In the second game, India defeated Burma 7-0. In the third game, Burma defeated to the Afghanistan 5-1.In fourth game, Burma lost to Oman because of an own goal.

Heavy rain forced organizers to postpone the Challenge Cup U-21 hockey tournament final between hosts Bangladesh and India yesterday.

Technical Director Rana, called the game off after inspecting the pitch at the Maulana Bashani National Stadium. Weather permitting the final will now be played at 10:00 am today. The turf became waterlogged following heavy downpour, which was a result of a depression in the Bay. And if the rain continues to play foul again then both teams would be declared joint champions.

“We hope for the best tomorrow because it will be a disappointing end if there is no final action, said Rana following his inspection half an hour after the scheduled 3:00 pm start yesterday.”

It was learnt that India wanted a toss to decide the title rather than a joint-champions declaration.

Meanwhile, Oman finished third in the five-nation competition yesterday beating Burma 3-1 in the place–deciding match at the BKSP stadium yesterday.

Though Burma has no more experience about hockey, they have played well. However, the Burmese team has to go home today evening, after having lost more games than they have won. ##

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