Three-time defending champion Indian Railways (RSPB) edged past Indian Army 2–1 in a Pool-A match at the 97th All-India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup hockey tournament held at the SDAT Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium on Friday. Though victorious, Railways struggled to maintain attacking efficiency against a determined Army side.
Railways opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Lovepreet Singh deflected Jasjit Singh’s penalty-corner drag-flick past the goalkeeper. The defending champions showed solid defensive organisation, but their attack lacked precision.
Railways missed a chance to extend their lead when Pratap Lakra’s penalty stroke hit the crossbar after an Army defender blocked the ball on the goal-line with his arm. Army then capitalised on the reprieve, with Ankush scoring from close range in the 28th minute to level the score at 1–1.
After squandering two penalty corners in the fourth quarter, Railways found the breakthrough in the 57th minute. Yogember Rawat converted Lovepreet Singh’s penalty-corner delivery with a drag-flick, sealing a 2–1 victory.
In Pool-B action, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL) dominated Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu with a 5–1 win. Goals from Devindar Walmiki (4th minute), Mandeep Singh (5th and 57th), Subhan Abid (24th), and Charanjeet Singh (54th) secured the victory, while K. Muthukumar scored Tamil Nadu’s lone goal in the 49th minute.
Key Takeaway: Railways earned a hard-fought win despite several missed chances, while BPCL showcased a dominant attacking display to secure a comprehensive victory in the prestigious tournament.
