JAMMU: Outplaying the defending champion, Indian Tibet Border Police (ITBP) in sudden death, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Thursday qualified for the final and shall now take on the star-studded side of Punjab Police (PP) in the title clash slated for tomorrow at K K Hakku Stadium, here.
Earlier, in the semifinals, decided on Thursday, CRPF first held the confident side of ITBP to a goalless draw and then clinched the thriller in sudden death making it 5-4. Jaswinder Singh, Harvinder Singh, Seraj Alam were the scorers in tie-breaker while M.C Mitai and Gurvinder Singh missed the target. Jaswinder Singh successfully netted the ball in sudden death.
Similarly, for CRPF, Rajinder Singh brought in the winning goal after he and Arun Minz managed to dodge the guard at the net. Rajinder Singh, Arun Minz and Saroj Ekka netted the ball during tie-breaker while attempts by Saroj Ekka and Kuldeep Ekka were foiled by the goal-keeper.
Meanwhile, in other semifinal, with former India player, Jugraj Singh to their side, Punjab Police defeated BSF 2-0, courtesy Satwinder Singh, who netted both the goals striking in the 32nd and 52nd minutes.
Now, the final is scheduled to be played at 2:20 PM between Punjab Police and CRPF, followed by the valedictory function at the same venue. The hardliner game to decide the third and fourth place shall be played between BSF and ITBP at 9:00 AM tomorrow.
ITBP protest ruled out
The protest lodged by the defending champions, ITBP, against a decision of the referee, could not attract any attention from the tournament director.
“Yes, the ITBP were protesting against an on-field decision by one of the referees. But, we are yet to receive anything in written. Moreover, a protest should reach meet within 30 minutes of the happening of the incident along with a protest fee of Rs 5,000. So, nothing of sorts has happened and considering the facts, we took it as a non-protest,” the Tournament Director, Ashutosh Verma informed.
However, the management of the ITBP could not be contacted, the reason being team immediately left the venue and could turn up even for the final parade rehearsal for the closing function at the venue, probably to show their resentment.