The tournament will kick off from July 11, has attracted 28 teams

Avinash Rajput

The 105th edition of Aga Khan Open knock-out hockey tournament will kick start from the July 11. The tournament which is also known as the Blue Rib Band of Maharashtra, has already attracted 28 local teams, so far.

Outstation teams include three teams from Mumbai, Republican, RCF and Mahindra United. Bhusawal Railways, Kolhapur-Ichalkaranji (combined team) and Aurangabad Police are the other teams to have confirmed their participation in the tournament.

Apart from its historical importance, the century old rolling trophy is made of pure silver, was worth Rs one lakh in the inaugural year itself. And this makes the teams participating in the tourney to come out with their best.

The tournament will witness both, the junior as well as the senior division teams lock horn. Last years winner Vikram Pillay Academy and runners up Central Railways, Pune division will get a direct entry in the quarter-finals, informed tournament secretary Harry Anthony.

To give a boost to the school hockey players, the organisers have lined up an inter-school tournament. “In an all eight teams have been registered till now for the girls and 10 teams in the boys category,” explained Anthony.