Expressnews
Chennai, September, 2024: Defending champion Indian Railways – RSPB overpowered Hockey Association of Odisha 4-0 to power into the final of the 95th All-India Murugappa-MCC Gold Cup Hockey Tournament here on Saturday.
In the final, Railways will play against IOC who got the better of Indian Army-Red 3-2.
Railways, which has been in good form in the league phase, was dominant against Odisha and never allowed the semifinal opponent a look-in. Joginder Singh opened the scoring early, finding the back of the net just one minute into the match through a well-executed penalty corner. This early goal set the tone for the remainder of the game, as RSPB maintained relentless pressure on the HOD defense.
Joginder put the Railways ahead in the opening minute, making him the first player to score in the opening minute of the tournament. Yuvraj Walmiki extended RSPB’s lead in the 16th minute with a brilliant field goal, showcasing his agility and precision. Yuvraj put the team 2-0 ahead. Joginder found the net twice as Railways completed an easy win. His hat-trick solidified his status as the standout performer of the match.
In the second semi-final match, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOC) defeated Indian Army-Red (ARMY) with a close 3-2 victory, securing their spot in the finals against Railways RSPB.
After a goalless first half, Aarman Qureshi opened the score with a strike for IOC in the 36th minute.
Sumit Kumar put IOC 2-0 in front with a penalty corner conversion in the 46th minute. Cyril Lugun reduced the margin a minute later, scoring from a penalty stroke, igniting hopes of a comeback.
Gujinder Singh then put IOC two goals ahead when he beat Army custodian in a penalty stroke in the 55thminute.
IOC conceded a goal in the 57th minute but managed to keep Army team at bay to win 3-2 and set up a title clash with the Railways on Sunday.
You can watch the final match on the Murugappa Group YouTube Channel –https://www.youtube.com/@MurugappaGroup
Results:
1st Semi-finals: RSPB-Railways (RSPB) 4 (Joginder Singh 1st minute, 38th and 43rd, Yuvraj 16th) beat Odisha 0.
2nd 1st Semi-finals: Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) 3 (Aarman Qureshi 36th Minute, Sumit Kumar 46th, Gujinder Singh 55th) beat Indian Army-Red 2 (Cyril Lugun 47th and 57th).
Match schedule: Sunday, 29th September, 2024
Finals at 6.15PM Finals: RSPB-Indian Railways vs Indian Oil Corporation Ltd
First Semi-finals
| Players | Minute |
| Joginder Singh (RSPB) | 01 PC |
| Yuvraj Walmiki (RSPB) | 16 FG |
| Joginder Singh (RSPB) | 38 PS |
| Joginder Singh (RSPB) | 43 PC |
Second Semi-finals
| Players | Minute |
| Aarman Qureshi (IOC) | 36 FG |
| Sumit Kumar (IOC) | 46 PC |
| Cyril Lugun (ARMY) | 47 PS |
| Gujinder Singh (RSPB) | 55 PS |
| Cyril Lugun (ARMY) | 57 PC |
