ROURKELA: Affan Yousuf glided through the opposition defence immediately after pushback to make a sensational pass to Sukhjeet Singh, who tapped in to put Bengal Tigers on the board 23 seconds into the game, scoring the fastest goal of the Hockey India League (HIL).
The speedy midfielder was in the act throughout the 60-minute contest against Delhi SG Pipers, assisting in three of their four goals, helping the Rupinder Pal Singh-led outfit win 4-1 at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium here.
The 30-year-old has been outstanding in the HIL, helping Tigers to top the standings with three straight wins. Just like in HIL, the player from Bhopal has been putting in relentless efforts in the domestic circuit with a hope of returning to the national set-up. But his efforts have not yielded results. Affan knows that this could be his time with everyone in Indian hockey focused on this eight-team league.
"Age is just a number. As long as you're performing, the gates are open," said Affan, who guided Petroleum Sports Promotion Board to the Inter-Departmental nationals win in September, which bolstered his confidence of getting picked in the HIL auction.
この記事は Hindustan Times Noida の January 06, 2025 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Hindustan Times Noida の January 06, 2025 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Veganuary 2025: Plant-Powered Path to Better Health
For those leaning towards veganism, Veganuary is a great way to take the plunge. We speak to experts about the health benefits of this challenge
'I learnt the hard way to say no to bad work'
For Rashami Desai, 2024 was a learning experience. \"There have been a lot of ups and downs in the last year. And I faced a lot of personal challenges. So, I was working on myself,\" says the actor, adding, \"Due to travel, I faced some severe gut issues that were neglected and later became a bit severe. I should have actually acknowledged it at the time. But while working, you tend to push things aside. As a result, I developed food allergies. So, I have to be cautious about what I eat.\"
Ajith's car crashes at 180 km/h; manager calls him lucky to walk away
Tamil actor and avid motorsport enthusiast Ajith Kumar, 53, narrowly escaped injury after a dramatic crash during a practice session for the upcoming 24H Dubai endurance race.
Varun-Natasha buy ₹44.52cr luxury apartment in Mumbai
Actor Varun Dhawan and his wife, designer Natasha Dalal, have reportedly acquired a ₹44.52 crore luxury apartment in Mumbai's upscale Juhu area.
Chasing history, Spaniard seeks big push Down Under
Alcaraz, who owns 4 Grand Slam titles, will have to shake off his habit of a slow start every season
AFI Reworks National Camp Plan for Athletes
Indian athletics is entering uncharted territory.
IGU polls: PT Usha hits out at ministry
Pointing to procedural lapses by the Sports Ministry in granting recognition to Brijinder Singh-led Indian Golf Union, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha has urged Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to \"recall\" the order.
All eyes on Rohit, Bumrah and Shami in CT selection
After a forgettable three months in international cricket, his runs having dried up and India losing two Test series in a row under his watch, skipper Rohit Sharma would be eagerly awaiting a return to coloured clothing; that too ODI cricket, his most favoured format.
Friendship, coaching rivalry and cricket connections
Sitting in the stands of the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, Craig Fulton was observing the Indian players in a training session of Hockey India League (HIL) franchise Team Gonasika.
Australia tour rubble shows domestic cricket deserves more respect
India suffered two shattering jolts – first New Zealand and now Australia – but in the gloom there is a silver lining, what teams call 'positives'.
