A host of national and international players will be seen in action in the second edition of the Bengaluru Cup hockey tournament that kicks off at the Hockey Stadium on Saturday.
While there will be six teams participating in the men’s event, the women’s event will have five. Defending champions, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) look like the team to beat in this edition as well, with the team featuring top names including Deepak Thakur, Prabhjot Singh and Devesh Chauhan, Runners-up last year, Air India have a wealth of experience to challenge IOCL, as the team features the likes of Arjun Halappa, Adrian D’souza, Prabodh Tirkey and Birendra Lakra. Air India will also have a distinct advantage with former India National skipper Dhanraj Pillay guiding them.
The current Indian players will not be available at least for the early part of the tournament, with the team currently touring New Zealand for a test series. However, they are expected to be present for the latter half of the tournament.
In the women’s section, Madhya Pradesh Academy (MP Academy) were victorious in the inaugural tournament. With a squad filled with accomplished junior National players, the MP girls will be confident of retaining their title.
The teams will play each other in a round-robin format with the league toppers clashing in the final, scheduled for October 19.
Trophy unveiled
Meanwhile, the trophies for the tournament were unveiled on Friday in an event that featured former Indian cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, Arjuna awardee Jude Felix, former Olympian Allan Schofield and BNS Reddy, Additional Commisioner of Police, Bengaluru.
Former Karnataka hockey stalwarts, Elvira Britto, Rita Britto and Unnikrishnan were felicitated on the occasion.
Speaking during the occassion, Sandeep Somesh, Joint Secretary of Hockey Karnataka, said all matches will be played under lights.
“We have taken this decision to ensure that it is convenient for the crowds to come in and support the players and teams.”
Only the final will be ticketed, he said. Tickets are available at bookmyshow.com.
Teams:
Men: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), IOCL, Air India, Karnataka XI, Army XI, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC).
Women: Punjab XI, Central Railway (CR), Haryana XI, Karnataka XI, MP Academy.