Punjab and Sind Bank annexed the Major Rangaswamy Cup, defeating Indian Oil Corporation 2-0 in the final of the 61st Senior National Hockey Championship at the Gachibowli Complex in Hyderabad on Wednesday.
Navpreet Singh put PSB into the lead in the 14th minute and skipper Gurvender Singh sealed the game in the 53rd to give the bankmen their maiden triumph in the senior nationals.
The match started on high expectations, with both teams playing with a blend of caution and aggression and the deep defence of both sides excelling in patches.
But it was Navpreet Singh whose drag flick put the bankmen ahead.
The second half witnessed some missed chances but a spectacular goal by PSB's skipper Guvender Singh ensured victory.
Guvender beat three defenders and drew out the goalkeeper before scoring.
While IOC players stepped up their attacks, the PSB men succeeded in having more ball possession and bidding time for the final hooter.
In the bronze medal match, Indian Airlines defeated Services 2-0.
International Sameer Dad put Airlines ahead in the 16th minute while Brojen Singh (60th), who had a good tournament, netted the second goal.
