JEDDAH — Saudi Strikers defeated KSA Hockey Dammam 2-1 in an electrifying final of the UTSC-Fadhil Group Hockey Fiesta to lift the trophy at the Faisaliyah Technical Institute ground here. The one-day hockey festival, conducted by United Tellicherry Sports Club, was mainly sponsored by Al-Fadhil Group of Companies, supported by Al-Kabir Food, Innovative Engineering, RaRavis Restaurant and Clear Vision. Saudi Strikers' captain Yashpal Rana who steered the team magnificently hit the winner in the all-Dammam final. Referees from Oman — Khamis Al-Balooshi and Thani Saheem Al-Wahabi — professionally handled the nerve-wracking game. Experienced Al-Balooshi has the recognition of officiating the explosive India-Pakistan match in Asian Championships. Ten teams from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam participated in the tournament. The teams were divided into two groups and each team played four matches in the league stage. Riyadh Falcons won all 4 games in Pool A, while KSA Hockey Jeddah edged Rayan Club on goal average to make the semifinals. KSA Hockey Dammam and Saudi Strikers Dammam entered the last four with three wins each and led on goal average in the same order. KSA Hockey Dammam outplayed KSA Hockey Jeddah 4-0 helped by a stellar performance by Abdul Wahid who scored all the goals. He was later declared the Man of the Match. Saudi Strikers Dammam qualified for the final by defeating Riyadh Falcons 2-1. It was Ali Raza who dumped the Riyadh Falcons by scoring 2 goals. The Best Goalkeeper award was won by Shamseer Oliyatt, who is also the chief coordinator of UTSC Jeddah. The other performance awards were given to: Sakib of Al-Rayan Sports Club — Best Defender; Abul Wahid of KSA Hockey Dammam — Best Forward; Ali Hassan of Saudi Strikers — Man of the Tournament. The Fair Play Award, instituted in memory of Tellichery's former player Harris, was presented to Riyadh Falcons. Prizes were awarded by Fadil Group MD Abdul Latheef KSA, Innovative Engineering Company representative Jaykumar, Rifas of RaRavis Restaurant, former president of TCF, Tajmal Babu Raja, JSC vice president Sadik Edakkad, Asianet reporter Jaleel Kannamangalam, Media One reporter Rabi, Malayalam News reporter Mayan Kutty, GOJ representative Sameer NV and Irshad of BagD. Many International players from India and Pakistan, including former Olympian Usman of Pakistan, were seen in action here. An elated UTSC President Hisham Mahe congratulated his team for making this event a grand success. Club secretary Ashfaq Melakendy, chief coordiantor Shamseer Oliyatt, media coordinator Abdul Kader Mochery, treasurer Faheem, Safeel Backar, Firoz, Mehtab, Raazik and Shameer made sure the competitions went smoothly until the closing ceremony. Ajmal Nazeer anchored the event brilliantly.
