Punjab Police Jalandhar lifted the glittering liberals trophy defeating Corps of Signals Jalandhar 3-1 as the curtains came down on 42nd GS Bains Liberals All India Hockey Tournament which concluded in the Govt. Ripudaman Stadium at Nabha.
Punjab Police entered the field as favourites but took time to settle down. Corps of signal took full advantage and their hardworking forwards made many entries into the circle baffling the police defence line. Enthused by the spectators, signals drew the first blood in the 9th minute when captain Ghanshyam Dass sent a defence splitting pass inside circle to Raman Singh who made no mistake to bang the board (1-0). Armey men could have consolidated their lead in the 25th minute when Lovpreet Singh side stepped a couple of defenders and had a shy at the goal missing by inches. With a goal in arrears at half time the Punjab Cops re-organised their tactics which paid dividends when Varinder Singh equalised in 39th minute with a fine goal from a very acute angle.
Encouraged by the success, policemen stepped up the pace and immediately succeeded to go ahead 2-1 after International Harveer Singh scored from an acute angle in 43rd minute. The Army Team also had many chances and wasted three penalty corners in a span of ten minutes by shooting wide off the target. Punjab Police increased their tally to 3-1 in 54th minute through skipper Baljit Singh who pumped in with a full blooded shot from the centre of the circle to complete 3-1 victory over the Army team.
Sadhu Singh Dharamsot, Minister Forests and Welfare of Schedule Cast and Backward Classes was the chief guest and he announced a grant of Rs 2 lakh to the organizers. Jai Singh Gill, Former Chief Secretary Punjab and currently Chairman 6th Punjab Pay Commission along with Shivdular Singh Dhillon, Director Tourism & Cultural Affairs were the Guest of Honour.
