THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
KOLKATA, March 17: The much-anticipated All India Public Sector Hockey Tournament 2025 began with great enthusiasm today at the Astro Turf ground of the Sports Authority of India, Netaji Subhas Eastern Centre in Kolkata.
The four-day tournament was inaugurated by P.M. Prasad, Chairman of Coal India Limited (CIL), who ceremonially opened the event by scoring a goal with a gentle tap. As the ball rolled into the net, the crowd of dignitaries, players, and spectators erupted in cheers.
Several distinguished guests were present, including Vinay Ranjan, President of the All India Public Sector Sports Control Board (AIPSSCB) and Director (P&IR), CIL & Vice President, CISPA; Mukesh Chowdhary, Director (Marketing); Achyut Ghatak, Director (Technical); O.P. Dani, Treasurer (AIPSSCB); Ramesh Sachdeva, Consultant (AIPSSCB); along with Executive Directors, General Managers, and Heads of Departments from CIL Headquarters. The event was successfully organized under the leadership of Amitabh Kumar Singh, HOD (Welfare), and his team.
Participating Teams and Tournament Format
Six teams are competing in the tournament:
- Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
- Union Bank of India (UBI)
- National Aluminium Company (NALCO)
- Food Corporation of India (FCI)
- Canara Bank
- Coal India Limited (CIL) (Hosts)
The teams are divided into two pools:
- Pool A: SAIL, UBI, and NALCO
- Pool B: FCI, Canara Bank, and CIL
The top two teams from each pool will advance to the final and compete for the championship title. The second-placed teams from both pools will face off for the third-place match. Both matches will take place on March 20, the final day of the tournament.
Opening Matches
The tournament kicked off with two league matches:
- In the first Pool A match, SAIL dominated NALCO, scoring 17 goals in a one-sided encounter.
- In the second match from Pool B, FCI secured a resounding 34-0 victory over CIL.
Inaugural Ceremony Highlights
The opening day began with the arrival of the CIL Chairman, AIPSSCB officials, and other dignitaries. Once they were seated, the National Anthem was played.
The inaugural ceremony started with a warm welcome for P.M. Prasad, Chairman, CIL, who was presented with a bouquet.
A vibrant cultural program followed, featuring performances of Kathakali and Chhau dance, along with soulful Baul songs, which resonated across the venue. The Indian national flag fluttered in the background, adding to the grandeur of the event. The cultural segment concluded with the CIL anthem.
The participating teams were then introduced, and the chief guest, along with other dignitaries, shook hands with the team captains. This was followed by the unveiling of the championship trophy and a brief address by P.M. Prasad.
Opening Speech & Special Announcement
In his speech, Prasad welcomed all participants and dignitaries, encouraging the teams to perform their best. He also made an exciting announcement:
- Indian senior men’s team captain Harmanpreet Singh and
- Former senior men’s team captain and current junior men’s team head coach, P.R. Sreejesh
will be present on the final day to cheer for the finalists.
Upcoming Matches (March 18)
Two league matches are scheduled for tomorrow, March 18:
- SAIL vs. UBI (Pool A) at 9:30 AM
- FCI vs. Canara Bank (Pool B) at 11:00 AM
The tournament promises exciting action in the coming days as teams battle for the championship title.
