Hockeys popularity in the city, which has produced several greats like Dhanraj Pillay and Vikram Pillay, has hit an all-time low.

For the first time in its 100-year-old history, The Poona Schools Athletics Association, has dropped the game from the list of sports events for this academic year.

The events calendar, which was announced on Thursday, has no mention of hockey in the list of 18 events. The reason: None of the 35 schools in this championship is willing to organise the matches for want of sponsors.

“It is sad that we had to drop hockey this year, but we are helpless,” said a PSAA official.
Football, the first event in this championship has been retained, but the name of the organising school and date of the fixtures is yet to be filled. The Bishops School, defending champions in hockey in the under-16 and under-14 categories had organised the event last year, taking over from St Vincents School.

“We are shocked to know that the PSAA has failed to find a sponsor,” said school teacher Ramesh Bendre.