Railways beat IOC to win MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup Hockey Tournament
Chennai, 30th September 2024: Defending champions Indian Railways – RSPB got the better of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) 5-3 in the finals to lift the trophy in the 95th All-India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup Hockey Tournament here on Sunday.
It was expected to be a close contest but Railways almost ensured it was not one. From the outset, RSPB displayed aggressive intent. Gursahibjit Singh opened the scoring early in the 7th minute with a well-executed penalty corner. Just two minutes later, Simranjot Singh doubled the lead with a skillful finish from open play, putting RSPB firmly in control.
Yuvraj Walmiki further increased RSPB’s advantage with two crucial goals—one in the 18th minute, and another in the 58th minute that sealed the match.
IOC launched a fightback in the 23rd minute when Talwinder Singh beat the Railways custodian to reduce the margin. Gujinder Singh capitalized on a penalty corner in the 29th minute to bring the score to 3-2, making it a tight match.
As the game progressed, Rajbir Singh added to IOC’s tally in the 58th minute, but it was too late as RSPB held firm for the win.
The standout performances from players like Yuvraj Walmiki and Joginder Singh of RSPB demonstrated their prowess throughout the tournament.
As the tournament concludes, the atmosphere is buzzing with excitement and anticipation for next year’s edition, where RSPB will look to defend their title against an increasingly competitive field.
Results:
Finals: Indian Railways – RSPB – 5 (Gursahibjit Singh (07) Simranjot Singh (09), Yuvraj Walmiki (18) (58), Mukul Sharma (35)) beats India Oil Corporation Ltd 3 (Talwinder Singh (23), Gujinder Singh (29), Rajbir Singh (58))
Finals
| Players | Minute |
| Gursahibjit Singh (RSPB) | 07 PC |
| Simranjot Singh (RSPB) | 09 FG |
| Yuvraj Walmiki (RSPB) | 18 FG |
| Talwinder Singh (IOC) | 23 FG |
| Gujinder Singh (IOC) | 29 PC |
| Mukul Sharma (RSPB) | 35 FG |
| Yuvraj Walmiki (RSPB) | 58 FG |
| Rajbir Singh (IOC) | 58 FG |
Awards:
- MAN OF THE MATCH OF FINALS – PARDEEP SINGH (INDIAN RAILWAYS – RSPB)
- MOST PROMISING PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT – RAJAT AKASH TIRKEY (HOCKEY ODISHA)
- BEST FORWARD OF THE TOURNAMENT 2024 – YUVRAJ WALMIKI (INDIAN RAILWAYS – RSPB)
- BEST MID FIELDER OF THE TOURNAMENT – JOBANPREET SINGH (INDIAN ARMY – RED)
- BEST DEFENDER OF THE TOURNAMENT – JOGINDER SINGH (INDIAN RAILWAYS – RSPB)
TI Cycles of India presented two special awards
- HERCULES MOST STYLISH PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT’ – AJAY KUMAR EKKA (HOCKEY ODISHA)
- HERCULES HIGH PERFORMANCE PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT – ADITYA LALGE (HOCKEY MAHARASHTRA)
E.I.D.-Parry (India) Limited also presented two special awards
- PARRY’S JAGGERY POWDER FASTEST PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT – ABHARAN SUDEV B (HOCKEY KARNATAKA)
- PARRY’S DALS STRONGEST PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT – CB POOVANNA (NCOE – BHOPAL)
