In the semi-finals played today at the National Stadium, BSF defeated IHF Junior 5-2 while PSB downed Army XI 4-2. The losing semi-finalists will play for the third position prior to the final.

Befitting the semi-final status, both matches had all the ingredients, including some rough play particularly in the first game. The two umpires officiating in the match were on toes flashing out cards to quell any unpleasant situations. In contrast, the second game sailed along smoothly.

Harbhajan Singh was the hero of BSF win as he, apart from scoring twice, also stood out for his excellent play. BSF's defence, in particular, showed the glimpses of experience as the IHF Juniors, in spite of making deep inroads, found it a hard nut to crack. It is not that it did not wilt under pressure but with sufficient experience behind the team, BSF withstood the onslaught to surge ahead.

Marinus Lakra put the team ahead in the 13th minute but Roshan Tete converted a stroke to restore parity within three minutes. But Harbhajan opened his account with a crisp shot in the 22nd minute to go 2-1 up at the breather. On return, Habil Topno added to the tally and even as they were celebrating came IHF's second goal, Jugraj Singh converting a penalty corner.

Undettered, BSF went about their task methodically and Harbjahan once again provided the consolidation before Christopher Ekka completed the tally in the last minute.

PSB, on the other hand, opened their account very early as Sanjeev Kumar Dang converted a penalty corner in the second minute. Siprin Aind of Army restored parity, converting their penalty corner in the sixth minute. Spurred by this goal, Army took the lead when Kamal Horo struck in the 12th minute. For some time, PSB dropped back and started attacking towards the interval and it paid dividedns when Sandeep Singh Seep made it 2-2.

On resumption, PSB was all over with within three minutes Rajinder Singh put the team ahead off a stroke and Bhupinder Hayer struck in the 50th minute to seal the fate of Army XI.