Chandigarh (Sports Desk)

Air India and Chandigarh XI played a four-all draw and split points while Punjab Police just managed to pip plucky Electrical and Mechanical Engineers by 3-2 in the matches played today in the 29th Lal Bahadur Shastri Hockey Tournament at the Sector 42 Hockey Stadium here today.

Air India got off to a big start by taking a 2-0 lead at the end of 11th minutes play.but playing before the home crowd, Chandigarh XI fought back and shared six goals at half time. In the second half, both teams defensive game and could muster only one goal each to share day's honour.

Raheel Mohd struck in the third minute to put Air India ahead with a field goal. Eigh minutes later, Uttam Singh increased the margin for Air India by scoring a field goal. Chandigarh XI counter-attacked and Manindeer Singh opened their account with a field goal. Faraz Mohd converted a penalty corner in the 23rd minute to make it 3-1 for Air India.

Despite 1-3 down, Chandigarh XI were not disappointed. They utilised all their resources to bounce back into the game. In a span of two minutes they struck two quick goals. Parminder Singh struck in the 34th minute and Maninder Singh levelled the score 3-3 with a field goal in the 35th minute.

On crossing over Yograj Singh gave Chandigarh team (4-3) for the first time in the game. However, Air India neutalised the lead through Faraz Mohd who converted a penalty stroke in the 58th minute.

Maninder Singh of Chandigarh XI was adjudged Man of the Match.

The Punjab Police-EME match was an evenly contested affair. Both teams putting their pressure. It was EME who forged ahead in the 12th minute through Salmon Herenj while Prabhjot Singh restored parity for Punjab Police in the 25th minute.

Five minutes before the lemon break, Punjab Police shot into the lead 2-1 through Hashpreet Singh who scored a field goal. Salmon Herenj got his second goal in the 43rd minute as EME made it 2-2. Hardeep Singh snatched the match-winning goal for Punjab Police in the 52nd minute by converting a penalty corner.

Harshpreet Singh won the Man of the Match award.

Thursday's fixtures: Air India vs BSF (11.30 a.m), Punjb National Bank vs Punjab Police (2 p.m).