An independent team stunned Air Force in a Victory Day hockey match

Hockey Players Welfare Unity, a nonaffiliated team debuting in a formal competition, secured a thrilling 4-3 victory over Air Force in the opening Group B match of the Paragon Victory Day Hockey Competition 2024, held at the Maulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium on Tuesday. The tournament is sponsored by Paragon Group. 

After a goalless first quarter, Rakibul Hasan Rocky put Air Force ahead in the 17th minute (1-0). However, Amirul Islam equalized for Hockey Players Welfare Unity in the 33rd minute (1-1), and Hasan Zubair Niloy gave them the lead in the 35th minute (2-1). 

Abdul Alim extended the advantage to 3-1 in the 42nd minute, but Air Force’s Arashad Hossain narrowed the gap in the 44th minute (3-2). Alim then struck his second goal in the 57th minute to secure the win (4-2). 

Sohanur Rahman Sobuj managed a late consolation goal for Air Force just before the final whistle, ending the match at 4-3.