Hockey: Income Tax lift Dr. Ambedkar trophy

Pune, 18th December, 2025: Income Tax, Pune for the second season defended the Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Hockey Tournament, at the Major Dhyanchand Hockey Stadium, Nehrunagar-Pimpri, here on Thursday.

The knock-out tournament is being conducted under the aegis of Hockey Maharashtra and is part of the 134th birth anniversary celebrations of the famed leader.

In the final, Income Tax, Pune downed local favourites Krida Prabodhini 4-2, after leading from the front 2-0. Income Tax, Pune were strong in the opening minutes and took the lead when Raj Pawar (8’) scored a field-goal, thereafter, Babu Metakar (15’) converted a penalty corner to make it 2-0 to end the half-time.

Changing ends, Krida Prabodhini conceded another goal to Income Tax, Pune when Rahul Shinde (34’) of the Income Tax, Pune scored from a field goal.

Krida Prabodhini down 0-3 had Kartik Pathare (43’, 49’) score off penalty corners to cut the lead to 2-2. Income Tax, Pune finally had the last laugh when Babu Metakar (52’) netted his second goal to take the score to 4-2.

Earlier in the third place play off Republican S.C got the better of Pune City Police 4-1 after leading 2-0 at the half way stage.

Pune City Police were early leaders when Krishna Musale (7’) poked in a field-goal. Republican S.C struck back twenty-one minutes later when Saurab Maikar (28’) converted a penalty corner to level the score (1-1).

Later, Devavrat Hiray (29’) sounded the boards to give Republican SC the lead 2-2 and end the first half 2-1.

Changing ends, Republican S.C scored twice when Rhythem Mamniya (53’) and Srikrishan Chourasiya (56’) scored off a field-goal and a penalty corner respectively and end the game 4-1 in republican S.C favour

Income Tax, Pune took home Rs. 50,000, while Krida Prabodhini went home richer by Rs. 30,000 and Republican S.C earned Rs. 20,000 for their efforts.

Later at the prize distribution ceremony Siddharth Zalte. Mahendra Nikhalje, President Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Hockey Tournament Committee gave away the prizes.

Also present for the function were, Jaganath Lakade, DSO Pune, Sidharth Zalte, Anil Ramchandra Jagtap, Sunil Ranpise, Sridhar Thamba, Eknath Dhasal, Leno John, Kisan Golelu, Milind Nikhalje, Shradha Nikhalje

Members of the committee present included, Anil Jagtap, Milind Jawle, Anil Jadhav, Nitin Nikhalje, Ganesh Muthaiya, Selvaraj Pillay, Gagan More and Nilu Pillay

RESULTS

Final: Income Tax, Pune: 4 (Raj Pawar 8’; Babu Metakar 15’, 52’; Rahul Shinde 34’) bt Krida Prabodhini: 2 (Kartik Pathare 43’, 49’). HT: 2-0

III-Place: Republicans S.C: 4 (Saurab Maikar 28’; Devavrat Hiray 29’; Rhythem Mamniya 53’; Srikrishan Chourasiya 56’ ) bt Pune City Police: 1 (Krishna Musale 7’). HT: 2-1

OTHER PRIZES

Best Goalkeeper: Sudhir Dixit (Income Tax, Pune); Best Defender: Santosh Bhosale (Krida Prabodhini); Best Mid Fielder: Venkatesh Deokar (Republican S.C ); Best Forward: Kartik Pathare (Krida Prabodhini ); Best Player: Manashish Bora (Income Tax, Pune )