Easy win for Punjab and Sind Bank

Former champions Punjab and Sind Bank began their campaign with a facile 4-0 victory over Tamil Nadu in the Super League of the 38th Nehru-ONGC hockey tournament in Delhi on Friday.

In other match of the day, two former champions Indian Airlines and Railways were involved in a 2-2 draw.

Though Punjab and Sind Bank, with several former and present internationals in their ranks, dominated the procedings, Tamil Nadu put up a gritty fight and gave their famed rivals a run for their money.

Five minutes into the match, international Sanjiv Kumar put the banken into the lead with a fine goal. They then had to wait for another 30 minutes to add another goal. Just before half-time they were awarded a 'stroke' following a goalmouth melee and Rajinder Singh made no mistake from the spot.

Rajinder Singh scored two goals more goals in the next session. In the 55th minute he scored off a penalty-corner and then three minutes before the final whistle scored the fourth goal to complete the tally.

In Pool B, Indian Airlines failed to hold on to an early lead and were forced to settle for a solitary point.

Prabodh Tirkey put Airlines ahead in the sixth minute. Chander Pal restored parity for Railways in the 39th minute. Three minutes later Iqbal Singh gave Railways lead.

Indian Airlines replied in the 48th minute through junior World Cupper Bimal Lakra, who converted a 'stroke'.