Pune is preparing to host the 41st edition of the PSPB Inter-Unit Hockey Tournament at the Major Dhyanchand Hockey Stadium, Nehrunagar-Pimpri, welcoming national and international stars. Organized by the Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB), the tournament will see leading Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) from across India competing in a spirit of sportsmanship and excellence.
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) is hosting this year’s tournament in Pune under the leadership of Deepak Jain, Chief General Manager, Sports, BPCL. Notably, this edition will be the first time the tournament is played under floodlights, a change from the past.
Four teams, namely BPCL, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), and Engineers India Limited (EIL), will vie for top honors in an all-play-all format. The tournament kicks off on Thursday at 7:30 PM IST, with the final scheduled for March 8.
The previous edition was won by BPCL, led by 2016 Olympian and Maharashtra captain, Devindar Walmiki, while IPCL emerged as the runners-up. Deepak Jain emphasized the significance of the PSPB Hockey Tournament, highlighting its reputation as one of India’s esteemed institutional hockey championships showcasing top-tier talent nationwide.
Jain expressed BPCL’s pride in hosting the 41st PSPB in Pune, noting the platform’s role in showcasing Olympians who bring glory to their companies and elevate the competition. The event not only celebrates India’s national sport but also underscores BPCL’s commitment to promoting hockey at institutional and national levels.
This year’s tournament promises intense action with the participation of prominent Indian hockey stars like Tushar Khandker, Devindar Walmiki, and Birendra Lakra, among others, adding excitement to the games.
