Al Hikmah Muslim Academy from Rajshahi emerged as the champions in the First Security Islami Bank National School Hockey with a hard fought 2-1 victory over Jessore’s Municipal Preparatory School in the final at the Maulana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium yesterday.
Al Hikmah, visibly superior both technically and tactically, showed their character to win the title with an all out team effort. Despite conceding an early goal the upbeat unit bounced back to win the Tk100000 prize money while the runners-up had to remain content with Tk50000.
Al Hikmah started in an attacking mode and cornered their opponents with series of attacks led by their influential captain Ahsan Habib Ridoy and midfielder Sadekul Hikmah. However they conceded the goal against the tide in the 22nd minute when the Preparatory forwards, waiting for space, initiated a counter attack from which Walid Omar took them ahead with an easy finish.
It took Al Hikmah just six minutes to return in the contest as a superb flicked goal from the middle of the box by midfielder Abu Sayeed Ridoy equalised the margin.
Ahasan Habib Ridoy scored the winner in the 50th minute after Abid Shahriar Alam initiated a penalty corner and Ridoy instead of taking an instant hit took few steps forward and made room to hit the board with an angular hit.
Shiahb Hossain of Armanitola High School was the highest scorer with 16 goals and received Tk100000 while Tuhin Hossain from the same school was awarded with Tk50000 for becoming the second highest scorer. Ahsan Habib Ridoy was awarded Tk25000 as the third highest scorer. The highest scorers’ money was provided by ATN Bangla chairman Mahfuzur Rahman.
State minister for youth and sports Biren Sikder distributed the prizes as chief guest. Managing director of First Security Islami Bank AA Zakaria, Hockey Federation president Air Marshal Enamul Bari and general secretary Khawaja Rahmatullah were also present on the occasion.