Bangladesh Air Force secured their maiden major hockey title beating Bangladesh Navy 5-4 in the final of the Paragon Group Victory Day Hockey at Maulana Bhashani Stadium.
Rakibul Hasan, the ace forward of Air Force, rose to the occasion slamming a hat-trick.
But youngster Obaidul Hasan Joy, the winger of Air Force, was the game changer, producing excellent stickwork and an innovative approach throughout the match.
Navy defender Farhad Ahmed Shitul was sent off in the 51st minute for an off the ball hit on opponent midfielder Tasin Ali.
Air Force defence was cautious about not conceding penalty corners as Navy relied on the drag and flick of Ashraful Islam.
Russel Mahmud Jimmy, the Navy skipper, also had a quiet day under the stern marking of Air Force defenders.
Air Force took the lead in the fourth minute of the match with Joy paving the way for Rakibul who pushed the ball home from close range.
The lead was doubled in the 11th minute when Krishna Kumar’s reverse hit rocked the wood of Navy post.
Ashraful reduced the arrears in the 17th minute with his favorite mode of penalty corner as Air Force led 2-1 at half time.
Mehrab Hasan Samin gave Air Force a 3-1 cushion with a fierce angular hit in the 31st minute.
Mainul Islam Koushik’s 37th minute strike and Farhad Ahmed Shitul’s superb goal in the 47th minute saw the scoreboard flash 3-3 and promising a nail-biting finish.
However, Rakibul’s two goals in the 49th and 57th minute put Air Force on the verge of victory.
Jimmy’s goal in the last minute of the match made the scoreline 5-4 but Air Force players exploded in wild celebrations within seconds after the re-start.
Chief of Air Staff and president of Bangladesh Air Force Air Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan distributed prizes as the chief guest.
Federation general secretary Lt. Col. (retd.) Riazul Hasan, Paragon Group representatives and other federation officials were also present on the occasion.
