Pune, 13 September: Last-years champions Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB) retained their title after being crowned champions of the 4^th Hockey India Inter-Department National Championship 2024 at the Major. Dhyanchand Stadium, Nehrunagar-Pimpri on Sunday.

In the final, Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB) staged a come-from-behind 3-2 shoot-out win to retain the title they won in Bangalore in 2023. The match ended 1-1 in regulation-time.

In a final that went down to the wire, PSPB scored a last-minute equalizer through Talwinder Singh (59th), to cancel RSPB’s Darshan Vibhav Gawkar 11^th minute goal to level the scoreline (1-1) and push the game into the shootout.

In the shootout, PSPB scored through Sumit Kumar, Shilanand Lakra and match-winner by skipper Devindar Sunil Walmiki, while Talwinder Singh and Vikramjit Singh missed theirs.

RSPB, on the other-hand, converted twice through Shivam Anand, Darshan Vibhav Gawkar, while Simranjot Singh, skipper Yuvraj Walmiki missed theirs including Gursahibjit Singh.

PSCB thus won their third title beating Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) in all four meetings the teams have had. The only time RSPB won the title was the 2^nd edition at New Delhi when they edged out PSCB in the shootout.

Earlier, Services Sports Control Board (SSC) clinched the third place after leaving it late by netting all second half goals. SSC beat Food Corporation of India (SSC) 4-0.

For the unfortunate FCI it was their best position ever in the championship, while SSC retained the third place they finished last year.

A brace each by Sushil Dhanwar (33rd – p.c, 41st – p.c, Harman Singh 35th, 47th) did the job for SSC during regulation time.

At the prize distribution ceremony the trophies were given away by Namdev Shirgaokar, Secretary General. Maharashtra Olympic Association (MOA) and Krishna Prakash Krishna Prakash (IPS, ADG) Force One Maharashtra Police and also the President of Hockey Maharashtra. Also present at the function was Hockey Maharashtra, Secretary Manish Anand and Senior Vice President Manoj Bhore.

RESULTS

FINAL: Railway Sports Promotion Board: 1 (3) (Darshan Vibhav Gawkar 11^th) bt Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB): 1(2) (Talwinder Singh – 59^th) HT: 1-0

III PLACE: Services Sports Control Board (SSC): 4 (Sushil Dhanwar 33rd – p.c, 41st – p.c; Harman Singh 35th, 47th) bt Food Corporation of India (FCI): 0. HT: 0-0