Defending champions Indian Oil and last year’s runners-up Air India will face stiffer competition as they prepare to battle for supremacy in this year’s edition of the Mumbai ‘Super Division League – 2015’, conducted by the Mumbai Hockey Association Limited (MHAL) and which is scheduled to commence at the MHAL-Mahindra Stadium, Churchgate, from Monday, September 7, 2015.
A total of 14 teams, three more than last year, are vying for the top honours in the Mumbai ‘Super League’, which is one of the best, in terms of being competitive and organized, in the country. The 14 teams have been split into two groups, of 7 teams each.
“This year the Super League will once again witness top quality matches as leading teams like Indian Oil, Air India, Western and Central Railway, Indian Navy, Punjab National Bank to name a few are participating in the league. Three more teams, ONGC, Namdhari XI and BEG have also returned to play in Mumbai, which will make the league more challenging,” said MHAL Hon. Secretary, Ram Singh Rathor.
“We (MHAL) are proud to host this tournament and provide our players, especially the younger lot, the platform to showcase their talent and skills. It would also give them the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the former Indian stars, who will be representing their respective teams,” he further added.
Indian Oil and Air India, recent winners of the MHAL Guru Tegh Bahadur Gold Cup last month, are certain to encounter some strong challenges from Punjab National Bank, who had finished third last season, ONGC, Namdhari XI and BEG, all three making a return to Mumbai’s big league hockey.
Former champions Western Railway, Central Railway, Indian Navy, Union Bank of India and Central Secretariat who have recently recruited some new players are the other strong contenders who will also be seen in action vying for the prestigious title.
Holders Indian Oil, Punjab National Bank, Namdhari XI, Central Railway, Indian Navy, Rhema Sports and promoted side Abhi Foundation have been drawn in Pool-A. Pool-B consists of Air India, ONGC, Western Railway, Union Bank of Indian, Central Secretariat, BEG (Bombay Engineering Group) and promoted outfit Sports Authority of India, who won the Senior Division title last year.
The initial phase of the tournament will be played on a round-robin league basis. After the completion of the league matches, the teams which finish first in their respective pools will qualify to play the Super League ‘Championship’ match on Thursday, September 24 while the second placed teams from the two pools will contest the third place match to be played earlier on the same day.
The champions, runners-up and third place winners will be presented with trophies and cash awards. There will also be individual awards for the Best goalkeeper, Best defender, Best midfielder, Best forward and the Player of the Tournament. In addition there will be a ‘Man-of-the-Match’ award at every match.
The Groupings:
Pool-A: Indian Oil, Punjab National Bank, Namdhari XI, Central Railway, Indian Navy, Rhema Sports, and Abhi Foundation (promoted, Senior Div runners-up).
Pool-A: Air India, ONGC, Central Secretariat, Western Railway, BEG, Union Bank of India and Sports Authority of India (promoted, Senior Div champs).