All-India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup hockey tourney from July 27

: The 91st edition of All-India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup Hockey tournament will be held here from July 27 to August 6 and will see prominent players, including national team members turn out for various teams.
A strong Indian Railways team, winner of the 2016 edition, will defend its title, the organisers said at a press meet here today.
Railways is expected to face stiff challenge from teams including Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Army XI, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and two outfits from Punjab (Punjab and Sind Bank and Punjab National Bank).
Organising secretary C N Shanmugham said hockey fans in the city can expect some quality action as the teams would comprise Indian stars and several up-and-coming players.

The Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu (HUT) team would provide the local challenge while outfits from Bengaluru and Odisha can be expected to test the established sides during the 10-day tournament, he addded.
The 10 teams have been divided into two groups with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals to be played on August 5.

The final on August 6 (Sunday) at Mayor Radhakrishnan stadium here would be played under floodlights, he said.
Parry Enterprises India Ltd Managing Director Arun Murugappan said the Murugappa Group was happy to be associated with the tournament, adding it was a great platform for young players and provides an opportunity for fans to see top players in action.

MCC president Srivatsan Subramaniyam said hockey fans in the city can look forward to seeing top stars in action and high quality play.
Apart from trhe prize money, which includes Rs five lakh for the winning team and Rs 2.5 lakh for the runners-up, there would be prizes for best forward, best midfielder, best goalkeeper/defender, most promising player of the tournament and the man of the match of the final.
The host MCC will play the traditional exhibition match against "The Hindu" on July 26 at 6 PM under floodlights.
Manish N Gour would be the tournament director.
The teams have been divided into two groups -

"A": Indian Railways, BPCL, Punjab & Sind Bank, Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu, Hockey Bengaluru.
"B": OBGC, Punjab National Bank, Army XI, Hockey Odisha, Central Secretariat Hockey Team.