Winners of the Indoor Hockey Championship celebrate with the trophy.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Dadabhai Travel Dubai were declared the winners of the inaugural edition of the Indoor Hockey Championship which took place at American Academy for Girls in Al Mizhar, Mirdiff, Dubai, recently.

12 teams from across the UAE participated in the six-a-side tournament organized by Mega Zone Computers.

The thrilling final of the event was contested between Dadabhai Travel Dubai and United Thalassery Sports Club A.

The game saw both Dadabhai and United Thalassery Sports Club cede possession in the early exchanges.

But as the tie progressed the teams looked evenly matched in terms of circle penetrations, ball possession and shots at goal. And though both the teams tried hard to break the deadlock, the first quarter ended goalless.

The match picked pace from there on. Stepping up the game, Dadabhai club put their rivals under tremendous pressure thereafter and their efforts paid off. They managed to dodge the United Thalassery Sports Club A goalkeeper to go ahead 1-0.

Refusing to give up easily, United Thalassery Sports Club A managed to level the score a little later.

Both teams matched each other in every aspect of the game but could not find another goal.

Members of the Dubai Scarlet Hockey club pose for a picture.

The game somewhat slowed down in the last quarter with both the teams not really going on the offensive and even if there was any threat the Dadabhai defence were in position to intercept any balls from their opponents.

After a tense 1-1 draw in regular time, Dadabhai won the final by scoring three shootout goals, as United Thalassery Sports Club A managed to find the back of the net twice.

Ali Raza scored the decisive goal for the winners. Dubai Hockey Club Red finished third.

Earlier in the semi-finals, United Thalassery Sports Club A defeated Dubai Scarlet Club while Dadabhai Club beat Dubai Hockey Club Red.

The one-day tournament was organized by Dubai Scarlet Hockey Club.

“The Indoor Hockey Championship was a great success in its first edition. These matches were a great test for upcoming players,” said Faizan Iqbal Muhammad Iqbal, head of the organising committee.

“Such events give them a chance to sharpen their skills. We will be hosting a few more events soon,” he added.

Few Pakistan junior hockey team players also participated in the tournament.

“Local tournaments are enriched when some national team players take part in them as the youngsters learn and benefit from them,” said organising committee member Auranzeb.

The competition took place in accordance with COVID-19 precautionary measures and protocols for approved sports competitions.

“There has seen a surge of interest by youngsters in learning and playing hockey and our aim is to give them a chance to develop their skills,” said Adnan Mehmood, another member of the organising committee.

Dubai Scarlet Hockey Club A, Dubai Scarlet Hockey Club B, Dadabhai Club, Anglo Indian Club, Star 11, Indian Republicans Club, Dubai Club Red, Dubai Club Blue, United Emirates Hockey Club, United Thalassery Sports Club A and United Thalassery Sports Club B took part in the event.