MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup from Thursday

Competitive hockey returns to the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium as the annual all-India MCC -Murugappa Gold Cup hockey tournament rolls into its 86th edition on Thursday.

Acknowledged as the premier event on this side of the Vindhyas, and looked forward to by the fans in the city, the 11-day tournament features ONGC and Karnataka XI in the opening match.

While welcoming the media at the briefing on Tuesday, T.G. Thyagarajan, President, Madras Cricket Club, reiterated the role of the MCC in fostering sports, and hockey in particular, for over a century.

He acknowledged the support of the Murugappa Group in putting together the high intensity competition for over a decade and a half now.

Speaking on behalf of the principal sponsor, the Murugappa Group, Arun Murugappan, Managing Director, Parry Enterprises, underlined the commitment of the group towards enhancing the profile of sport, notably hockey.

He added how proud the group was in associating itself with an esteemed unit like the MCC, and announced an increase in the prize money. Now, the winner will get Rs. 2.5 lakh and the runner-up Rs. 1.5 lakh.

This is apart from the prizes for the Man-of-the-match from the semifinals, and special awards for the Player-of-the-tournament, best goalkeeper, best forward and the Promising Player-of-the-tournament.

MCC Secretary Ajit Kumbhat expressed appreciation for the continued support and sponsorship from the Murugappa Group, and expressed hope that the event would produce top class hockey for the spectators. Sanjay Gulvady, organising secretary, outlined the features of the tournament and the efforts taken by his committee to rope in top class outfitsInternational umpire, Muhammad Muneer, will be the tournament director.

He announced that a temporary two-minute suspension for a green card penalty would be observed in this tournament.

Doordarshan will telecast the final live on July 25.

The pools: A:Army XI (holder), ONGC, Karnataka XI, Indian Railways and Namdhari XI; B:Indian Oil Corporation, Hockey India (Juniors), BPCL, Southern Railway and Punjab National Bank.