CHAMPIONS AGAIN: DAV College (Jalandhar), which retained its crown

It was the team’s ninth title and the fifth in the last six editions.

DAV College, Jalandhar played fast and furious hockey to knock in five goals against two to defeat Jawaharlal Nehru PG College, Bhopal and retained the title in the 15th Nehru Champion Colleges Hockey Tournament final at the Shivaji Stadium here today.

Contrary to the scoreline, it was not a lop-sided encounter. If the Bhopal College could not emerge victorious, it was due their inability to cash in on open scoring chances and ten penalty corners.

DAV College, on the other hand, surprised their better-organised rivals with their quick reflexes and counter attacks to slam in five goals. They earned just one penalty corner at the fag end of the second half, which was scooped over by Lakhwinder Singh. DAV College thus played an encore as last year too, the Bhopal College had to play second fiddle to the Jalandhar boys in the challenge round.

Overall, DAV College, who first won the title here in 1996, have emerged champions for a record nine times, winning the title every time they entered the final, save once, in 2006 when they lost to the Faculty of Social Sciences, Jamia Milia Islamia (Delhi).

Ajay Kumar struck home off a long pass from Amrit Pal Singh in the 24th minute, and ten minutes later, he added the second goal from a crowded goal-mouth. The other goal scorers for the winners were Jujhar Singh (2) and Major Singh (1).