Lucknow, Sep 7: Punjab set up a high-voltage semifinal clash with defending champions Haryana in the junior boys national hockey championship here while last year's finalist Odisha will battle it out with SAI Bhopal.
In the quarterfinals Friday, Punjab beat MP Hockey Academy 7-1 and Haryana defeated Himachal Pradesh 4-1. Odisha had to put their best foot forward to secure a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Karnataka. SAI Bhopal, secured a hard-fought 3-2 verdict against hosts Uttar Pradesh in the last match of the day at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium.
Gurjinder Singh emerged top-scorer for Punjab by converting two penalty corners. Akashdeep Singh, Talwinder Singh, Jaitinder Singh, Satvir Singh and Harjeet Singh scored a goal each. For MPHA, Sanglakram Nilakanta struck the consolation goal in the 53rd minute.
Gagandeep Singh emerged as top-scorer for Haryana, scoring two field goals. Amit Kumar and Gagandeep Singh scored one goal for Haryana while Gaganpreet Singh was the only goal-scorer for Himachal Pradesh.
Odisha captain Amit Rohidas converted penalty corners in the 48th and 59th minute, to end Karnataka's challenge. His rival captain Aiyappa PR. Pardanda had put Karnataka ahead in the 38th minute.
In the other match, Affan Yousuf, Ajay Prabhakar and Neeraj were the goal scorers for SAI, Bhopal while Sanjeet Singh and Arjun Yadav scored for Uttar Pradesh.
