Punjab wins AFFI American Football National Championship

Runner-up Telangana wins hearts

Punjab staged a splendid performance to emerge champions at the sixth American Football National Games held at the Gachibowli Stadium on Friday. The side faced an equally spirited host Telangana in the final that witnessed some spectacular moments of agility, technique, speed and energy.

In the end, it was Bhangra prevailing over Biryani beating the hosts 14-12 in the final moments of a game that was otherwise dominated by Telangana in both offence and defence all through. While Telangana scored twice comfortably, Punjab too held nerves and scored in the final moments to equalise.

What cost Telangana dearest was its failure to convert two-pointers, which Punjab did in near death moments of the game winning the glory. In the earlier match, played for third position Delhi staged a coup to score in the last moment and beat Karnataka.

On a bright and breezy day, day two took off with usual excitement and pace as a follow up of the previous day. Telangana began the day drawing with Punjab in a battle of equals before beating Delhi in a game that saw tempers flare among players for a short time before the ball began to speak for them.

There were not many surprises witness as the top ranked teams of the first day; Telangana and Punjab continued their aggressive run coming unbeaten and staying unvanquished till the final where Telangana ultimately gave in.

Other results
Telangana drew with Punjab 6-6
Rajasthan beat Haryana
Rajasthan beat Tamilnadu 8-6
Delhi beat Karnataka 14-12