Kohat, Bannu secure victories in KP Inter-Region Women Hockey Championship

PESHAWAR: Kohat and Bannu recorded victories against their respective rivals in the ongoing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inter-Regional Women Hockey Championship being played under the aegis of Directorate of Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at Mardan on Thursday.

Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Hockey Association Women Wing Gul Nar was the chief guest on this occasion and before the start of the matches the players of Kohat, Bannu, Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan were introduced to her. Director Sports Women Games Rashida Ghanavi, officials, players and large number of spectators were also present and witnessed the thrill-packed matches.

In the first match Kohat upset Peshawar by 3-2 in a thrilling match. Peshawar took two goals lead in the 17th and 28th minute when Nousheen and Saira slammed in one goal each through field attempt but all of sudden Kohat staged a strong comeback and first tied the tally 2-2 well before the half-time through Hifsa Khan on the field attempt in the 31st and 24th minute.

Twice the attacks of Kohat made by right winger Shehnaz Bano which proved productive for Kohat scoring two goals through center striker Hifsa Khan. After leading the tally 2-2 before the half-time, Kohat put in more pressure in the second session and scored the decisive goal through Irum, the left winger, through field attempt.

Mid-fielder Shaheen played a key role as she was outstanding with her flair distribution of ball keeping Peshawar defender under incredible pressure. It certainly paid off and Kohat marched into the semi-finals with victory against strong Peshawar.

In the second match Bannu defeated Dera Ismail Khan in a one-sided affair. Bannu fully dominated the proceeding right from the push back and did not give much room to Dera Ismail Khan players to strike back. For Bannu Lubna and Asmat scored one goal each in the 24th and 67th minute. Pari and Asma supervised the matches.

Now Kohat will face Hazara in the first semi-final and Mardan will clash against Bannu in the second semi-finals on Friday. The final will played on Saturday.