The Hindu: Chennai: Hockey activity in the city will be kept alive when Finpro Sports Management launches its inaugural State-level tournament at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium on Monday. The final is scheduled for August 2.

A total of 16 teams are taking part. B. Saravanan, Director, Finpro Sports Management, said hockey was chosen so as to keep the focus on the ‘national game.’ The four major sponsors are IOB, State Bank, Indian Bank and Dalmia Cements.

Former Olympian and captain, V.J. Philips, is designated as the Tournament Director, who will be assisted by international umpire and officer, Md. Muneer.

A novelty in the tournament is the eight-second shootout in the tiebreaker. The scorer has to dribble from 25-yard line and score within eight seconds with only the goal-keeper to challenge the attacker.

Apart from the prize money of Rs. 1.25 lakhs there will be cash award of Rs. 1,000 for the man of the match.

Mr. Saravanan said Finpro is planning to hold a South zone championship in December this year.

The following teams are in the fray. IOB, Indian Bank, Southern Railway, ICF, FCI, Income Tax, Central Excise, State Bank, SAI ‘A’, SAI ‘B’, State Police, AGRC, ABM-Infoys, Paramanu (Kalpakkam), Tirunelveli and Nilgiris

Courtsey: The Hindu