PSCB Inter-unit Hockey: BPCL remain undefeated, win second game
Pune, March 7
Defending champs Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and runner-up Indian Oil Corporation Limited bagged full three points each on the second day of the 41st PSPB Inter-Unit Hockey Tournament at the Major Dhyanchand Hockey Stadium in Pune on Friday.
With this win, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) jumped into the sole lead in the standings with six points (2 Wins), while Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) trails in second position, along with Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) with three points (1 Win) after Round 2 matches. Engineers India Limited (EIL) are still to open their account, having lost their second consecutive match.
On Friday, BPCL recorded a come-from-behind 4-3 win over Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). BPCL began the game one goal (0-1) in arrears when Gurjot Singh (17') netted a field goal for ONGC.
Thereafter, BPCL netted three goals, which included the equaliser by 2002 Olympic medallist Varun Kumar (22') off a penalty corner (1-1) and thereafter followed it up with two more field goals through the efforts of 2012 Olympian Tushar Khandekar (37') and Vishwas G (45') to hand their team BPCL a 3-1 score line.
ONGC had Jagwant Singh (52') score and reduced the margin. However, current India international Rajinder Singh (56') added another to make it 4-2 for BPCL. In the second-last minute, ONGC netted their third when Bikash Toppo (59') made it 3-4 and completed the tally.
In the other match of the day, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) downed Engineers India Limited (EIL) 2-0. A goal each by Roshan Minz (14') and Sunil Yadav (54') in either half helped ICCL bag full points.
RESULTS (Day 2)
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL): 4 (Varun Kumar 22'; Tushar Khandekar 37'; Vishwas G 45'; Rajinder Singh 56') bt Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC): 3 (Gurjot Singh 17'; Jagwant Singh 52'; Bikash Toppo 59'). HT: 1-1
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL): 2 (Roshan Minz 14'; Sunil Yadav 54') bt Engineers India Limited (EIL): 0. HT: 1-0
— IANS
Reader Comments
The quality of hockey in these PSU tournaments is seriously underrated. ONGC put up a great fight till the last minute. Bikash Toppo's goal at 59' must have had everyone on the edge of their seats!
It's wonderful that these public sector companies provide such a solid platform for hockey. Players get job security and can focus on the sport. IOCL also looking strong. EIL needs to bounce back soon!
Respectfully, while the match was exciting, the article could have given a bit more context. How is the tournament structured? Is there relegation? A simple table would have been helpful for fans following from home.
Major Dhyanchand Stadium in Pune is a fantastic venue for hockey. Good to see the legacy being carried forward by these corporate teams. BPCL's squad is a mix of experienced Olympians and young blood – a perfect combo! 🇮🇳
The scoreline suggests ONGC's defense might have crumbled in the second half after that strong start. Conceding three goals in a short span is tough. They need to work on maintaining momentum. Still, a close game!
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.