‘Target was to score on my first game’: Sakshi Rana on her dream senior team debut

New Delhi, Dec 23 (IANS) Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers made a significant addition to their squad by acquiring Rupinder Pal Singh in the Hockey India League (HIL) auction for Rs 12.5 lakhs earlier this year. The 34-year-old drag flicker, known for his remarkable goal-scoring ability, returns to the league with an impressive record of 234 goals in 223 appearances.

Rupinder, who last played in the historic bronze medal match against Germany at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and ended a 42-year drought for an Olympic medal, brings a wealth of experience and skill to the Bengal Tigers. He was a star performer for the Delhi Waveriders in the previous edition of the HIL, and his return is eagerly anticipated by fans and teammates alike.

“Playing in the Hockey India League again is truly thrilling for me. After spending years with international teams and facing the best in the world, to be back on the turf, alongside familiar teammates and rising stars, is a feeling I can’t describe. This time, I’m fortunate to play with players like Jugraj Singh, Abhishek, and Sukhjeet – some I haven’t had the chance to play alongside at the international level. It’s a huge opportunity for me to share the field with them and to be back in the action after so long,” Rupinder shared.

The Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers have crafted a formidable lineup, boasting the dynamic pairing of Abhishek and Sukhjeet Singh, alongside the prolific Belgian forward Florent van Aubel. In defence, Rupinder will be joined by fellow dragflicker Jugraj Singh, strengthening the team’s already potent goalscoring unit.

“I’ve always believed that competition within the league, playing against top players from across the world, pushes us to improve. The teams are packed with exceptional talent, including players from the national team and foreign internationals like Belgian forward Florent van Aubel.

“I am looking forward to playing against the likes of Harmanpreet and Gurinder as well. The excitement of seeing the best players in action will be immense. The Hockey India League is where we all come together, and it’s an exciting platform for the next generation of hockey,” he signed off.

–IANS

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Pune, Dec 20 (IANS) The Jaipur Pink Panthers fought hard and came back from behind to defeat the Bengal Warriorz, in a Season 11 match of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) and confirmed qualification for the Playoffs in the Badminton Hall of the Balewadi Sports Complex here on Friday. The Jaipur Pink Panthers, who are the fifth team to progress to the Playoffs, won by a scoreline of 31-28.

For Jaipur Pink Panthers, Arjun Deshwal got nine points while Abhijeet Malik added seven and Reza Mirbagheri registered a High-5. The win for the Jaipur Pink Panthers also means that the Puneri Paltan are out of the race for a Playoff berth.

The Bengal Warriorz came out of the blocks quicker than their opponents, as they moved into a slender lead within the first few minutes. The Jaipur Pink Panthers, who had the qualification for the PKL Playoffs in their mind, though stayed within touching distance and were being cautious in their approach. For the Bengal Warriorz, it was Arjun Rathi who was leading the way in attack whilst the defenders were holding fort as well.

As the half wore on, the Bengal Warriorz were building on their lead and had moved into a 6-point lead within the first 9 minutes. But in the next couple of minutes, Abhijeet Malik helped bring the deficit down to a 2-point one. The Jaipur Pink Panthers’ defence weren’t able to contain Pranay Rane and Arjun Rathi.

But the Bengal Warriorz’s defence were having a good day, and they inflicted an All Out and stretched the lead to a seven-point one. Arjun Rathi continued the good work and at the break, the Bengal Warriorz led 19-9.

The Jaipur Pink Panthers began the second half with a couple of Super Tackles but it was the Bengal Warriorz, who were still in the box seat. By the 26th minute, Arjun Deshwal had helped cut the deficit down to six points, and the Jaipur Pink Panthers were clawing their way back into the game.

The Season 9 champions’ defenders, Reza Mirbagheri and Ankush Rathee, had suddenly flicked a switch, whilst Arjun Deshwal was doing what he does best. At the half-hour mark, the Bengal Warriorz led by 3 points, and the momentum was starting to go the other way.

With just less than eight minutes to go, the Jaipur Pink Panthers inflicted an All Out on their opponents and got their noses out in front. Both teams were now throwing the kitchen sink at each other in the final phase of play. Pranay Rane’s two-point raid brought Bengal Warriorz back to level terms with their opponent, and it was 27 points for both sides, with three minutes to go.

The Jaipur Pink Panthers though roared back and raced into a three-point lead courtesy of some fantastic defending. Eventually, the Jaipur Pink Panthers held their nerve in the final minutes and came away with a close but huge win.

–IANS

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Raipur (Chhattisgarh), Feb 10 (IANS) Martin Guptill of New Zealand produced a once-in-a-lifetime knock in the Legend 90 League, smashing an unbeaten 160 off just 49 balls to propel Chhattisgarh Warriors to a monumental 89-run win over Big Boys Unikari here on Monday. The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium turned into a spectacle as Guptill’s brutal knock single-handedly outscored the opposition’s entire total.

A celebrated name in New Zealand’s white-ball cricket history, Guptill set the stadium ablaze after the Warriors opted to bat first. The start was measured, but the veteran opener soon unleashed carnage, reaching his half-century in just 21 balls.

The real fireworks began in the 12th over when he plundered 29 runs off Ishan Malhotra, bringing up his century in just 34 balls, becoming the first player to score a century in the Legend 90 League. His next fifty came in just 13 deliveries, taking his total to a staggering 160 not out, the highest individual score of the tournament.

Guptill’s brutal assault included 12 fours and 16 sixes at an extraordinary strike rate of 326.53. He was ably supported by Rishi Dhawan, who played an equally impressive innings, remaining unbeaten on 76 off 42 balls.

The duo forged an unbroken 240-run stand, the highest partnership in the competition, powering the Warriors to a record-breaking total of 240 for no loss in their allotted 15 overs. This marked the first 200+ total in the tournament’s history.

In response, Big Boys Unikari had an uphill task and crumbled under the scoreboard pressure.

Their chase got off to the worst possible start as they lost Jatin Saxena early to Manan Sharma. Captain Ishan Malhotra soon followed, dismissed by Abhimanyu Mithun. Despite Saurabh Tiwary (37) and Robin Bist’s (55 not out) valiant efforts, the team never looked in control and was eventually restricted to 151/4, falling 89 runs short.

With this commanding win, Chhattisgarh Warriors secured their third consecutive victory and surged to the top of the table.

–IANS

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