Controversy marred the the Men’s Water Polo Final at the National Games 2023. Maharashtra won the gold medal by defeating Services in the summit clash. However huge drama ensued even before the result of the contest as Services alleged foul play by the officials.
Both Maharashtra and Services were involved in a fierce contest. The game ended 10-10 after the full-time. Penalty shootout followed to decide the winner and that is when chaos broke out.
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According to a report from The Bridge, after the first two penalty throws, the Services camp started complaining. They pointed out at Maharashtra goalkeeper Mandar Bhoir moving ahead during the shootout.
Soon it became ugly as Services coach and the technical official had war of words. This resulted in Services not even defending in the last penalty throw as a mark of protest.
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“The judge asked the goal judge to move away from the goal line and then allowed the goalkeeper to come forward. The goalkeeper’s movement narrowed the angle for our thrower,” a Services official was quoted as saying by The Bridge.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra went on to win the final 14-12. They state clinched the gold medal in Water Polo at the National Games after 26 years.
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