Air India, Delhi regained the title when they dethroned Army XI, Delhi by pulling off a close 3-1 victory via the penalty shootout tie-breaker in the final of the 11th PMC Bank-Guru Tegh Bahadur Gold Cup All India Hockey Tournament, being organised by the Mumbai Hockey Association Limited (MHAL) and played at the MHAL-Mahindra Stadium, Churchgate on Thursday. Air India had last won the title in 2008 defeating Indian Oil in the final. Punjab & Maharashtra Cooperative (PCM) Bank is the sponsors of this tournament, which is being organised under the auspices of Hockey India. The match finished in a tame goalless draw.
The champions, Air India players, coach Dhanraj Pillay, manager Vineet Kumar pose with the Guru Tegh Bahadur Gold Cup along with the MHAL President, Mangha Singh Bakshi, Hon. Secretary, Ram Singh Rathor and other executive committee members.
The final failed to live to expectations and meandered into a damp squib. The attack of both teams lacked cohesion and they were unable to piece together good incisive forays and create goal-scoring opportunities as a result the two goalkeepers Adrian D’Souza of Air India and Najmudeen of Army XI had not much to do under the bar.
The champions Air India were presented with the glittering Guru Tegh Bahadur Gold Cup and a cheque of Rs 1.50 lakhs by MHAL President, Shri Mangha Singh Bakshi. Army XI received the runners-up Trophy and a cash award of Rs 75,000.
Air India goalkeeper Adrian D’Souza was later adjudged as the player of the final and awarded a purse of Rs 5,000. Najmudeen and Rinel Singh, both of Army XI were declared as the best goalkeeper and defender respectively while Central Railway’s Yuvraj Walmiki and Mohd Nizam won the best forward and midfielder awards and they all received a cash prize of Rs 5,000 each.
Results – Semi-finals: Air India 3 (A.B. Cheeyanna, Vikas Pillay, Joga Singh) beat Army XI 1 (Biraj Ekka).
Other awards
Player of the final: Adrian D’Souza (Air India).
Best goalkeeper: Najmudeen (Army XI).
Best defender: Rinel Singh (Army XI).
Best midfielder: Mohd Nizam (Central Railway).
Best forward: Yuvraj Walmiki (Central Railway)..