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If there was any need of a sign to signal a field hockey revival in the kingdom, then scenes at the Indian Club over the weekend might just have provided it.
A two-day hockey fiesta attracted the likes of Qatar Hockey League champions Wanderers, the well-known United Thalassery Sports Club (UTSC) team from Oman and Dubai alongside several local outfits.
The Bahrain Hockey Association's Spectrum Group 1st Bahrain Open Rink Hockey Tournament final on Friday pitted the Wanderers against the Young Goans Club of Bahrain.
Having ejected local team The Daredevils in the semi-finals, the Wanderers looked to be keeping a stranglehold on the competition but were all but stunned by the star-studded Young Goans in the opening minutes of the match. The local team took the lead through a brilliant reverse tap into the Wanderers goal through their international import, Errol D'Silva, from the Mumbai Customs hockey team.
The Goans continued to pile on the pressure until ex-India Premier Hockey League star and captain Juned Coutinho netted the equaliser. Former India junior international Savio Nayak gave the Wanderers the lead thanks to some impeccable team work.
After another goal from Juned and two more from Nayak, the Goans looked to their bench strength for different combinations. Errol, together with star defender Anthony D'Silva and forwards Gilbert and Avalon Martin, reduced the margin for the Goans.
It seemed to be too little too late as the Wanderers were crowned rink hockey tournament winners.
In another match, UTSC defeated the upcoming Daredevils, in a closely fought encounter for third place.
The prizes were presented by chief guest Shaikh Hamad Faisal Humood Al Khalifa.
BHA president Garner Vaz thanked all players, team managers, spectators, volunteers, officials and guests for their support.
Official partners included GulfWeekly, Radio Voice, Coca Cola, Oman Air, 4Shot Photography and Red Bull.
