Team Coorg edged out United Thalassery Sports Club (UTSC), Dubai 2-1 to claim the honours of the commemorative hockey match to celebrate the 67th Indian Independence Day at the OFA ground in Qurum.

Chief guest J.S. Mukul, the Indian ambassador, conveyed his appreciation to the organisers for promoting the Indian national game and also praised S.A.S Naqvi for his dedicated efforts to ensure the development of the sport in Oman.

Played under the backdrop of the ongoing Asia Cup in Ipoh, Team Coorg opened the scoring in the first half by Shakeel with UTSC levelling the score in the next minute with a field goal.

The second half was all about ball possession, with each team trying to gain the upper hand. With a better passing game, Team Coorg gained the advantage with combined effort from Kavan, who slotted the ball home.

In spite of UTSCs constant foray into Team Coorg’s half, the defenders stood their ground to deny UTSC an equaliser and went on to win the game 2-1.

During the half time an entertaining match between Ambassador XI, skippered by APS Chauhan and Veterans XI, captained by Mohammed Shambeh Al Raisi, was played which had players of all age group participating.

The spectators wished the exciting match went on for few more minutes. The exhibition match was won by Veterans XI 2-1.

Kuttappa of Team Coorg in appreciation of the excellent support received from the Indian Embassy presented a memento to the Ambassador.

A lifetime achievement award was also presented to Dawood Ahmed Ali Al Raisi, former president of Oman Hockey Association.

During the ceremony, Mohammed Shambeh presented a special award for the outstanding contribution to Raqib Qureshi, who has played for Pakistan during 1964-1966 and for Bangladesh between 1978-1982. He keeps in touch with hockey every weekend at the OHA grounds and is a source of inspiration to young and old.

The presence of Nalini Bopaiah and Ponnamma Thammaiah added grace to the occasion and they gave away mementoes to the corporate sponsors Naranjee Hirjee Co, Khimji Ramdas’ Permoglaze, Al Rawahi International, Al Omaniya, Services and Trade Company.

Former Oman goalkeeper Jabbar was specially mentioned as he and Raqib Qureshi donned the role of umpires.

SAS Naqvi too presented mementos to the Ambassador and Dawood Al Raisi, while the organisers did not forget the live wire commentary rendered by Salih Thacher.

source: http://www.timesofoman.com / Times of Oman / Home / by Times News Service / September 02nd, 2013