Army XI clinches Hockey Gold Cup title

Army XI clinches Hockey Gold Cup title The former champion Army XI has won the crown of the Murugappa Hockey Gold Cup after defeating Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) of Mumbai 2-1 in the final at Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, Chennai on Sunday.

Mansid Bhengra and veteran Ignace Tirkey scored one goal each for Army XI in 28th and 59th minutes respectively. The match started at a slow pace as both teams adopted defensive approach in first 25 minutes of the match.

Bhengra scored first goal of the match to give Army XI lead but Amar Aiyamma of BPCL scored equalizer in the 30th minute. The first-half ended with score tied at 1 goal each. The International player Ignace broke the shackles in the 59th minute as he stroked the ball into the nets and Army XI emerged victorious in the tournament.

Amar Aiyamma of BPCL was declared most valuable player of the tournament while Sunil Ekka of Army XI, PT Rao of Army XI, Prabhdeep Singh of BPCL were named as best forward, best goalkeeper and best midfielder respectively..