Karamjeet scored the match-winner in the 60th minute of the contest to seal the fate of the Bharat Petroleum side, which had an impressive line-up to boast of in the match.

Karamjeet, who had graduated to the senior Namdhari team in 2006, neatly collected the ball from the centre-line and moved forward at a terrific speed down the left flank. Keeping his eyes on the goal, he dribbled past seasoned defender SS Gill and made no mistake with a cracking reverse shot.

For his efforts, Karamjeet was named the Man of the Match. He was also given a cash award for scoring the first hat-trick of the competition. Coach Didar Singh was full of praise for his trainee.

“He is the best among the upcoming players. That is the reason we put him in the senior team,” said the coach.

Karamjeet proved to be lucky for his team today. The first of his three goals came in the 7th minute, giving his team a 1-0 lead. The lead, though, was short-lived as Bharat Petroleum pumped in two goals, courtesy skipper Amar Aiyamma and Jarnail Singh, to take control of the contest. Karamjeet again rose to the occasion, equalising in the 19th minute (2-2).

Thereafter, both teams raided the opposition half, but the match winner continued to elude them.

It was Karamjeet who grabbed the opportunity to score his third goal, which proved to be match winner. Karamjeet nearly tumbled when he dribbled past Bharat Petroleum defender Gill, but immediately regained his balance to move ahead. His powerful shot went past the rival keeper’s pads to hit the board.