Nat'l youth hockey begins

Dinajpur, Narail, Natore and Rangpur chalked up victories on the opening day of the Southeast Bank 22nd National Youth Hockey Competition at the Maulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium yesterday.
In the first match, Dinajpur thrashed Khulna by 5-0, courtesy of a brace from striker Rista. In the second match, Rana Molla scored a hattrick as Narail cruised to a 6-0 victory over Naogaon.
However, the biggest win of the day was grabbed by Natore who crushed Sherpur by 8-0. Eight players struck one goal each for the winners. In the last match, Rangpur overcame Gazipur 2-1 in an entertaining affair. Rasel and Mintu scored one goal each for the winners while Shaju reduced the margin for the losing side.
The tournament began yesterday with 24 teams, divided into eight groups, taking part. Zahid Ahasan Russell, chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Youth and Sports Ministry, formally inaugurated the meet as chief guest.