Railways Rally to Win Obaidullah Khan Heritage Cup

Railways Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) are without a doubt the most redoubtable domestic hockey side. Coached by Sunil Kumar Singh, the Railway outfit appearing in their fifth final in the domestic circuit, showed how they can dig deep when pushed to the wall, scripting a fighting come-from-behind 2-1 win over Army XI to win the Obaidullah Khan Heritage Cup at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium in Bhopal. It was redemption for the Railwaymen, who had lost in the final of the Obaidullah Khan Heritage Cup when it was last held in 2016, going down to BPCL in a shootout after both teams were tied 1-1 in regulation time.

Read Stats Corner: Obaidullah Khan Heritage Cup

RSPB knew they were in a for a tough contest when Army XI took the lead in the opening quarter through their in-form Harman Singh, who made the most of a superb Budu Tuti pass from the right – it was his fourth goal of the tournament. Unperturbed by the early reverse, Railways ensured the match was very much under their grasp as they equalised converting a short corner through Joginder Singh close to half-time.

Read Obaidullah Khan Heritage Cup: Railways Outduel Indian Oil in Shootout, Face Army XI in Final

It was Joginder Singh again, who churned out the match-clincher whipping home a penalty corner ten minutes from the final hooter. Army XI strived to bring the game on level terms, but the Railwaymen packed in adequate ammuntion to keep their opponents at bay.

Read Prestigious Obaidullah Khan Heritage Cup Gets Underway in Bhopal

Earlier, Army Green edged out India Oil 3-1 in a shootout to finish third after both teams were locked 3-3 in regulation time. This was Railways’ third domestic crown – they had earlier won the Surjit Hockey Tournament and Lal Bahadur Shastri Hockey Tourney.