Punjab to strengthen sports sector: Minister
Elated over Punjab school children’s good performance in ‘Khelo India School Games’ held at New Delhi, Punjab education minister Aruna…
Odds favour Odisha boys as they take on Uttar Predesh in the semi-final of the hockey competition of Khelo India School Games (KISG) at Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi on Wednesday.
The second semi-final will witness Punjab and Chandigarh battling it out for the place in the finals.
It is going to be very tough contest in the girls section, as odds are even with Jharkhand facing Punjab and Haryana taking on Chandigarh.
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Odisha boys have displayed exceptional hockey after their shock defeat at the hands of Haryana. They way the outplayed Punjab in the next game was a warning for all other teams.
Most of the Odisha boys are from Punposh Academy based in Rourkela and have been playing together for long and that also give them an added advantage.
It will indeed be tough for Uttar Pradesh to stop fast-moving Odisha boys and if they manage to do it, they will create a big upset.
Punjab started with two easy wins against Haryana and Delhi but looked clueless against fast moving Odisha team. They will have to come up with something special to overcome Chandigarh who also play the same brand of hockey.
In the girls’ section, Jharkhand have so far played sparkling games. Their striker and midfielders have combined well and defence has stood the test against the rival teams.
It is going to be the test for Punjab girls and their coach as what strategy they will adapt to foil the Jharkhand strikers and mid fielders.
The second semi-final between Haryana and Chandigarh is going to be crackling affair. Both teams play tough and robust game. Only advantage with Chandigarh is they have forwards who can convert even half chances to their advantage, while Haryana strikers have made heavy weather of the chances that had come their way.
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