Imphal, July 2: Manipur crashed out in the quarterfinal stage of the 34th Junior National Hockey Championship held in Chennai recently, but two of its players brought home coveted individual awards.

L. Joychandra Singh was named the most promising player of the tournament, netting eight goals in five matches, while M. Rinas was declared the best goalkeeper of the meet.

Manipur overcame four teams in the league stage, but finally tasted defeat at the hands of Punjab 1-2 in the quarterfinal.

Air-India emerged champions, trailed by the Punjab team.

“I am happy with the title but would have been happier still if my team had won the tournament,” Joychandra said after the match.

“Our team went all out in the match against Punjab but lack of co-ordination between the midfielder and forwards cost us the match,” the promising player said.

Joychandra felt that continuous matches in Chennai’s hot and humid conditions took a toll on the players’ energy and fitness levels.

The 1st Manipur State Hockey League organised by Manipur Hockey Association will be held at Khuman Lampak Hockey Stadium from Sunday.

Altogether eight teams will take part in the league.