A brilliant hat-trick by forward Rakibul Islam guided Bangladesh Air Force to clinch the first major hockey title dethroning last four times champions Bangladesh Navy by 5-4 goals in a keenly contested final of the Paragon Group Victory Day Hockey Tournament at the Maulana Bhashani National Stadium here on Monday.

Chief of Bangladesh Air Force and President of Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) Air Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan was the chief guest in the day’s final and later he distributed the prizes.

BHF General secretary Lt. Col. (Rtd) Riazul Hasan, Paragon Group representative and other federation officials were also present on the occasion.

In the day’s title deciding match, ace forward Rakibul Hasan slammed a hattrick for the last time runners-up Bangladesh Air Force. But, youngster Obaidul Hasan Joy, the winger of Air Force was the game changer producing excellent stick-works and an innovative approach throughout the game.

Navy defender Farhad Ahmed Shitul was sent off in the 51st minute of the match as he hit opponent midfielder Tasin Ali without the ball.

Air Force defense was cautious for not conceding penalty corners as Navy relied on the drag and flick of Ashraful Islam.

Navy skipper cum national forward Rasel Mahmud Jimmy was off coloured in the day’s vital match under the stern marking of Air Force defenders.

Air Force team took the lead in the 4th minute of the match with Joy paving the way for Rakibul, who pushed the ball home from a close range (1-0).

The lead was extended to 2-0 in the 11th minute when a reverse hit of Krishna Kumar rocked the wood of Navy post .

Ashraful reduced the margin for the sailors team in the 17th minute with his favorite penalty corner with Air Force team dominating the half time by 2-1 goals

Mehrab Hasan Samin further sounded the Air Force margin 3-1 with a fierce angular hit in the 31st minute.

Two goals by national players Mainul Islam Koushik’s 37th minute and Farhad Ahmed Shitul’s superb goal in the 47th minute made the match exciting one with the scoreboard flashing 3-3.

However Rakibul Hasan’s two goals in the 49th and 57th minutes put Air Force on the verge of the victory (5-3) .

A last minute goal by Navy captain Jummy made the scoreline 5-4 but Air Force players exploded in wild celebrations within seconds after the re-start.