NTHA Jamshedpur enters Punjab Hockey League final, to face SAI Sonipat today

Jalandhar/Jamshedpur, September 26: Naval Tata Hockey Academy (NTHA) Jamshedpur stormed into the finals of the Punjab Hockey League with a spirited 1–0 victory over home side Round Glass Hockey Academy in a fiercely contested semi-final match.

The game remained evenly poised until the final quarter, when cadet Ashish Tani Purty produced a brilliant drag-flick to break the deadlock and hand NTHA the decisive edge. The team’s resilient performance was further anchored by the goalkeeper, Shubham, whose outstanding saves earned him the Player of the Match award.

Reflecting on the win, Coach Vikas Pant said: “The boys showed great discipline and fighting spirit till the very end. Ashish’s drag-flick was a moment of brilliance, but it was the collective effort and strong defence that brought us this victory. We are proud of how the team has grown through the tournament and are now fully focused on the final.”

With this victory, NTHA has booked its place in the Punjab Hockey League Final, scheduled for September 27, 2025, against Sports Authority of India, Sonipat. A high-intensity clash now awaits as NTHA chases championship glory.

Naval Tata Hockey Academy, who had troubled RGHA in the league phases did not allow the hosts to play their natural attacking game, defending resiliently. The winning goal came in the 52^nd minute after Ashish Tani Purti converted a penalty corner.

The third place match will be played at 9 AM and the finals will start at 3 PM. The All Stars XI and Legends XI match will be played at 1 PM.

Punjab Hockey League is organised jointly by Roundglass Hockey Academy and Hockey Punjab, aims to provide extensive match exposure to players from the grassroots level and contribute meaningfully to their professional and personal development.