Lucknow: The 43rd All India K.D. Singh Babu Invitational Prize Money Men’s Hockey Tournament 2025 continued to thrill fans with intense and action-packed matches at the Padma Shri Mohammad Shahid Synthetic Hockey Stadium, Lucknow. The day featured two gripping encounters that kept spectators captivated till the final whistle.
Match No. 11 – Air Force vs. Bank of India, New Delhi
The first match of the day, played at 2:00 PM under Pool ‘C’, was a fiercely contested battle between Air Force and Bank of India, New Delhi. Both teams showcased exceptional skill and determination, making it a thrilling watch.
Bank of India drew first blood in the 27th minute, with Surya M.M. scoring a fine field goal. However, Air Force quickly regrouped, and Gurmukh Singh equalised in the 30th minute with a well-timed strike. In a dramatic turn of events, Surya M.M. once again rose to the occasion in the 59th minute, netting another field goal to give Bank of India a narrow yet decisive 2–1 victory over Air Force.
Final Score: Air Force 1 – 2 Bank of India, New Delhi
Match No. 12 – Indian Army vs. Uttar Pradesh Hockey Group
The second match, played at 4:00 PM in Pool ‘D’, saw Indian Army deliver a commanding performance against Uttar Pradesh Hockey Group, emerging victorious in a close-fought contest.
Indian Army’s Pratap Sinde opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, converting a penalty corner to put his team ahead. He struck again in the 35th minute, doubling the lead. Cyril Lugan added a third goal for the Army in the 45th minute, extending their advantage to 3–0.
However, Uttar Pradesh Hockey Group refused to give up easily. Ketan Kushwaha found the net in the 46th minute, and Lalit Upadhyay followed up with another goal in the 48th minute, narrowing the deficit to 3–2. Despite their spirited comeback, the Indian Army’s solid defense held firm to secure the win.
Final Score: Indian Army 3 – 2 Uttar Pradesh Hockey Group
With this victory, Indian Army advanced to the semi-finals, maintaining their strong form in the prestigious tournament.
The day’s matches once again highlighted the exceptional talent and competitive spirit that the K.D. Singh Babu Memorial Tournament continues to inspire — a fitting tribute to one of India’s greatest hockey legends.
