IOC beat PNB, emerge champions

Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) defeated Punjab National Bank (PNB) 3-1 in the final here on Sunday to emerge champion in the 93rd All-India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup hockey tournament.

After a goalless first quarter, defending champion IOC opened its account in the 23rd minute when Gurjinder Singh beat the rival goalkeeper from a penalty corner.

It was Gurjinder who handed IOC a 2-0 advantage 15 minutes later, converting another penalty corner.

PNB pulled one back in the 44th minute when Vishal Antil slammed home from a penalty corner.

Veteran Deepak Thakur scored the final goal of the game, slotting in in the 59th minute.

Murugappa Group Chairman M M Murugappan gave away the trophy to the winning team.