NAGPUR: School of Scholars (SOS) boys and Ira International School girls reigned supreme in the VHA-Bhartia Aqua School Division Hockey League which concluded at the VHA ground here on Wednesday. In an exciting boys summit clash, SOS edged past Swaminarayan School 3-2. After a lop-sided initial period, SOS broke the deadlock in the 25th minute when Abhaynath Chauhan converted the penalty corner. Varun Yadav then swung into action and slammed a brace to consolidate the position of SOS. He found the target in the 29th and 37th minutes.
Trailing by three goals, Swaminarayan School forwards pulled up their socks and launched several attacks on the rival citadel. They reduced the margin in the 39th minute through Mitanshu Unnerker. Sahil Khodke brought Swaminarayan back into the match by making it 2-3 in the 48th minute. However, despite trying hard for an equalizer, Swaminarayan boys could not break the strong SOS defence.
Gold Rate
Saturday 22 Feb. 2025
On the other hand the girls final turned out to be a one-sided affair. Dominating from the word go, Ira International thrashed St Ursula 5-0. Prerna Bodkhe and Himanshu Gawande struck two goals each. Anushka Bansule chipped in with a goal to complete the tally.
In the very fourth minute, Prerna drew the first blood. Three minutes later Himanshi increased the lead 2-0. The third goal for Ira International came through Anushka Bansule in the 16th minute. Continuing her attacking play Himanshi scored her second goal in the 24th minute. Prerna netted another goal in the 36th minute to seal the fate of opponents.
In the boys third place play-off, St Anthony HS mauled Jaibai Choudhary School 6-0, courtesy five-goal effort from Praful Choudhary. Lawrence chipped in with a goal. VHA president BC Bhartia, Chandakant Gundewar, corporator Kishor Jichkar, Bhaskar Naidu, Sanjay Lokhande, Devendra Dasture, TN Sidhra and Kishor Goydani distributed the prizes.
