Mumbai : Goalkeeper Kunaal Dhape made three superb saves in the penalty shootout to help Sports Authority of India (SAI) emerged champions, winning the Third Division title in the MHAL League – 2014-2015.
Kunaal’s efforts were instrumental in SAI defeating Air India Western Region 4-2 via the penalty shootout after the scores were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation period in the final played at the MHAL Stadium, Churchgate on Monday.
Shreyas D opened the scoring for SAI in the 27th minute before Vrsuhab Ahvad netted the equaliser for Air India (WR) in the 31st minute.
In the penalty shootout, SAI converted through Anuj Singh, Vasudev and Sanjay Chatruvedi, while their goalkeeper Kunaal saved the first three attempts of the opponents. Only Vicky Athavle was successful for the losing side.
The victorious SAI captain and players received the handsome Fourth Division Champions Trophy and a cash award of Rs 25,000 from Chief Guest, Mangha Singh Bakshi, President of Mumbai Hockey Association Limited. The losing Air India (WR) outfit for their efforts were presented with the runners-up trophy and a cash prize of Rs 15,000.
Both SAI and Air India (WR) have earned promotion and will participate in the Second Division next season.
Results – 4th Division (final): Sports Authority of India 4 (Shreyas dhupe, Anuj Singh , Vasudev, Sanjay Chatruvedi) beat Air India Western Region 2 (Vrushab Ahvad, Vicky Avthale).
