Times of India: Top hockey teams for Bengaluru Cup announced

BENGALURU: Hockey Karnataka’s second Bengaluru Cup All-India tournament will be held from October 10 to 19, it was announced here on Monday with former India cricket captain Rahul Dravid and swimmer Nisha Millet gracing the occasion.

The tournament will feature six teams from across India in both the men’s and women’s categories. The teams include Air India, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd, Army XI, Karnataka XI and ONGC in the men’s section, and Punjab XI, Haryana XI, Karnataka XI, Jharkhand, MP Academy and RCF in the women’s category.

The highlight of The Bengaluru Cup 2015 will be the presence and participation of players from the National women’s team which has qualified for the Rio 2016 Olympics. Speaking on the occasion, Hockey Karnataka joint secretary Sandeep Somesh said: “With this tournament, we endeavour at amplify awareness and assist the development of the sport of hockey at the grass root level and bring back the vigour, valour and pride that was once associated with the national game.

“With the help of Hockey Karnataka, we look at unearthing and honing promising talent from the state. We intend to pave a way for the growth of the game in the country and showcase the best hockey talent from across India.”

Dravid said: “Hockey Karnataka offers young hockey players a fantastic opportunity by giving them a chance to rub shoulders with some of the most prominent and established players in the country. Recalling pleasant memories from the days I played hockey on the field, it gives me immense pleasure to support the sport and a sense of pride to see national game thrive.”

Millet said: “This initiative by Hockey Karnataka helps create an intrigue and buzz among the masses about the sport. The Bengaluru Cup is a platform for hockey players in India to showcase their caliber. My best wishes and support to the tournament and we look forward to the event.”