Jalandhar, Sept. 21 -- Sports Authority of India National Centre of Excellence, Sonipat became the first team to qualify for the knockout phase of the second edition of the Punjab Hockey League (U 21) with a commanding 9-1 victory over Ghumanhera Risers Hockey Academy, which was played here at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium.

With the win, SAI Sonipat now have 33 points from 12 matches, consolidating their position in the knockout phase, while Roundglass Hockey Academy stayed in second place with 29 points after edging past PIS Surjit Hockey Academy earlier in the day to keep their pursuit of top spot alive.

SAI Sonipat wasted no time asserting its dominance over the last-placed Ghumanhera Risers Hockey Academy, with Ankush ope...