The 95th MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup All-India hockey tournament witnessed an intense semifinal encounter between the former champion Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and the formidable Indian Army. The match was a testament to the skill and resilience of both teams, showcasing a thrilling back-and-forth battle that kept the spectators on the edge of their seats.
The first two quarters saw both sides trading blows, but neither team managed to break the deadlock. However, the third quarter saw IOC strike first with a well-executed goal. Aarman Qureshi, receiving a precise pass from Gujinder Singh, skillfully slotted the ball into the net with a sliding push, giving IOC a much-needed advantage.
IOC extended their lead early in the fourth quarter. Sumit Kumar capitalized on a rebound from a penalty corner, doubling the score and putting the Army in a tough spot. Despite the challenging situation, the Army fought back valiantly. Cyril Lugun’s goal from a penalty stroke injected much-needed momentum, reigniting their hopes for a comeback. The Army, exhibiting incredible determination, relentlessly attacked from both flanks and earned three penalty corners, but unfortunately, they were unable to convert any of those opportunities.
IOC, demonstrating their experience and composure, managed to secure their third goal through another penalty stroke, this time converted by Gujinder Singh. However, this goal did not dampen the Army’s fighting spirit. They earned three consecutive penalty corners, with the last one resulting in another stroke. Cyril once again stepped up, converting the stroke to bring the score to 3-2 and inject renewed energy into the Army camp.
With only two minutes left, the Army poured everything they had into an all-out attack, hoping for an equalizer. However, IOC, displaying their championship temperament, held their ground and refused to buckle under pressure. Their resilience earned them a hard-fought 3-2 victory, setting up a thrilling final against the defending champions, Indian Railways.
In the other semifinal, Indian Railways, showcasing their dominance, completely outplayed Odisha, securing a resounding 4-0 win. Joginder Singh was the hero for the Railways, netting a hat-trick in a stellar performance, solidifying his team’s position as strong contenders for the title.
The final promises to be an exciting encounter between two formidable teams, each possessing a rich history and a deep-rooted passion for the sport. The battle for the prestigious Murugappa Gold Cup is set to be a nail-biting finish, with both teams eager to etch their names in the annals of hockey history.
