National Hockey: Mumbai rally to hold Karnataka

Bangalore – Hosts Karnataka squandered a 2-0 first-half lead as Mumbai hit back to force a 2-2 draw in the inaugural match of the senior National hockey championship for men, here Wednesday.

Karnataka were on top after penalty corner goals by skipper Deepak Bejiwad in the 25th and 32nd minutes gave them a 2-0 lead going into half-time.

However, on resumption, with Karnataka growing rather complacent, Mumbai fought back to level the score thorough its opportunist player Ravi Preetak and skipper Victo Singh.

Preetak deflected a free-hit shot from outside the 23 Meter area at the top of circle and the equalizer came from a last minute a corner hit that Victo Singh scrambled home.

Karnataka dominated the match in the first half and earned as many as five penalty corners but surrendered meekly in the second half with its complacent approach while Mumbai showcased their fighting spirit to force a draw.