Kathmandu: Gandaki Province inched closer to the final in the women’s category of the National Hockey Tournament following their second consecutive victory at Chyasal Football Ground, Friday.

Gandaki saw off Madhesh Province 2–1 in a closely contested game. Mayuri Rai was the star of the game scoring both goals for Gandaki and earning the player-of-the-match award. Geeta Kumari Mringching scored the lone goal for Madhesh as her side succumbed to second straight defeat.

Only the top two sides advanced to the final in the four-team contest being held in a round-robin league format.

Army, Karnali triumph in men’s event 

In the men’s division, Tribhuvan Army Club and Karnali Province posted convincing wins in their respective group stage encounters.

Army, competing in Group ‘A’, thumped Madhesh Province 10–1 in a dominant display. Manoj Chaudhary netted a hat-trick while Rajendra Karki and Amar Gurung each added two goals. Dev Singh Dhami, Pradeep Rajbanshi and Kashiraj Rai also got on the scoresheet. Rajendra was named the player-of-the-match.

In Group ‘B’, Karnali edged Bagmati 2–1. Goals from Prem Bhandari and Jiba Rawat secured the win, with Sushant Rawat earning player-of-the-match honor. Samir Ghimire scored the lone goal for Bagmati.

The men’s tournament is being played in a league-cum-knockout format, with teams competing for spots in the knockout rounds.