Haryana, Karnataka enter semis of senior National hockey

While Karnataka defeated TN 2-0 in their quarter-final clash, Haryana got the better of Manipur 4-2 in another last-eight match.

Karnataka both goal came in the first half through MK Mudappa (29th minute) and PL Thimmanna (32nd).

Mudappa gave Karnataka the lead deflecting home a cross from Pundalik Bellary past TN goalkeeper P R Sreejesh.

Three minutes later, Thimmanna got a touch to a long hit from the centre-line by skipper Vikram Kanth for the second Karnataka goal.

In the second-half, both teams took turns to dominate but the rival goalkeepers -- Sreejesh and Tarun Thammanna -- brought off some good saves to deny a threat to their respective goals.

 

Neither team was able to convert a couple of penalty corners.

A disappointed Tamil Nadu coach Mohd Riaz Nabi attributed the defeat to the inexperience of his team.

"Considering the strength and composition of Karnataka team that had about seven to eight international players, besides country's top drag-flick expert (VR Raghunath), I am quite satisfied with the performance of my team," Riaz said. MORE