Pakistan Customs dethrones MPCL to clinch National Hockey crown

Pakistan Customs made an impressive comeback to beat defending champions Mari Petroleum Company limited (MPCL) in the final of 68th DHA National Seniors Men’s Hockey Championship at the Abdul Sattar Edhi Hockey Stadium Karachi on Wednesday.

MPCL made a strong start as they took a 2-0 lead before halt-time with goals from Arshad Liaqat and Umer Mustafa.

However, Customs didn’t give up and eventually ended up levelling the contest, courtesy strikes from Mohammad Ammad and Rana Sohail, before the final hooter which ensured that a penalty shootout was needed to crown the champions of the tournament.

The shootout that followed was also topsy-turvy as both teams fought for ascendancy. However, customs had the last laugh as they sealed the trophy after finding the net for the eighth time. The final scoreline was 2-2 (8-7) in the favor of Customs.

Customs won the prestigious trophy for the first time since 1998.

The enthralling match was attended by around 500 people which include school kids and dignitaries.

Corps Commander Karachi, Lieutenant-General Babar Iftikhar, was the chief guest on the final day of the tournament. Meanwhile, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Mir Tariq Hussain Bugti and Secretary General Rana Mujahid Ali were among the other officials present on this occasion.

The winning team, Pakistan Customs, received a cheque of Rs10 lakh, while runners-up MPCL were awarded Rs6 lakh. Pakistan Air Force, who clinched the third place with win against National Bank of Pakistan, bagged Rs5 lakh.

Customs' captain Ghazanfar Ali (L) with Ahmad Nadeem.PHF

Speaking at the closing ceremony, PHF President Bugti lauded Pakistan Army and DHA’s efforts for the “revival of hockey in Pakistan”.

“Together, we will restore Pakistan's pride and prestige in the world of hockey, and inspire a new generation of Pakistanis to take up the stick and chase their dreams,” he added.

It must be noted that Customs had defeated National Bank of Pakistan on shootout in the first semi-final, while MPCL downed Pakistan Air Force 2-0 in the other last four clash. Both semi-final matches were played yesterday.

A total of 14 teams participated in the tournament, which began on December 28.

During the tournament, the stadium also underwent long-awaited renovation, breathing new life into the facility. The revamp included a fresh coat of paint, refurbished seating in select stands and repair of existing rain guns and astroturf to ensure optimal playing conditions.