Lucknow: In a pulsating finale that embodied the spirit and skill of Indian hockey, the Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB) edged past a resolute Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) 3-1 to lift the coveted All-India KD Singh ‘Babu’ Men’s Hockey Tournament title at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium. The victory, celebrated under the evening floodlights by a roaring crowd of over 4,000, marked PSPB’s first triumph in this historic event since 2019, highlighting a blend of tactical finesse and individual brilliance in a contest that swung like a perfectly timed drag-flick.
A Tournament Rooted in Legacy
The 43rd edition of this prize-money invitational tournament has long been a proving ground for national talent, drawing 16 elite teams from across India. Organized by the Uttar Pradesh Hockey Association in collaboration with Hockey India and the Regional Sports Office, Lucknow, the event featured a total prize pool of Rs 5.5 lakh—Rs 2.5 lakh for winners, Rs 1.25 lakh for runners-up, and Rs 75,000 for third place—reflecting hockey’s growing commercial appeal in the post-Paris Olympics era.
Named after KD Singh ‘Babu’, the Barabanki-born maestro and two-time Olympic gold medalist (1948 London, 1952 Helsinki), the tournament celebrates the legacy of one of India’s greatest hockey legends. Known for his balletic dribbling and visionary passing, Babu famously described hockey as “poetry on grass,” a sentiment echoed throughout this fortnight of high-octane competition.
The tournament opened on September 15 with a ceremonial torch relay from Babu’s ancestral village in Barabanki to the stadium, attended by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who announced a Rs 10 crore boost for hockey infrastructure in the state. Over 13 days, the tournament featured 52 matches, producing 156 goals—an average of three per game—reflecting the evolution of fast-paced, penalty-corner-heavy play influenced by international coaching.
Pool Stage: Drama, Skill, and Surprises
PSPB, favorites coming into the tournament, asserted early dominance in Pool A, dismantling Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) 5-2. Talwinder Singh’s hat-trick, including a blistering 12th-minute drag-flick, set the tone. In Pool B, SSCB demonstrated military-like discipline, defeating Indian Navy 2-0, while BPL Bengaluru stunned Air India before SSCB exacted revenge with a 4-1 victory.
In Pool C, CAG Delhi emerged as a dark horse, while hosts UP Hockey qualified narrowly with a 2-2 draw against SAI Lucknow. Pool D belonged to Indian Army, whose 6-1 demolition of Punjab & Sind Bank highlighted midfield maestro Manpreet Singh’s influence. Notable performers included PSPB’s Affan Yusuf, who scored four goals in a single pool game, and SSCB’s Sushil Dhanwar, celebrated for his uncompromising defense.
Quarterfinals and Semifinals: Testing Resolve
PSPB survived a tense 3-2 extra-time victory over UP Hockey, rallying from a halftime deficit with goals from Vishwas and Mandeep Antil. SSCB, meanwhile, edged past CAG 2-1, with Dhanwar’s goal-line heroics and Harmanpreet Singh’s penalty corner winner sealing their place in the semis. PSPB then defeated Indian Army 3-0 in a semifinal rematch, while SSCB overcame CAG 3-2 with a golden goal from Jobanpreet Singh, setting the stage for the grand finale.
The Grand Final: Drama Under Floodlights
The September 28 final was a tactical masterpiece. SSCB started aggressively, but PSPB’s goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak made crucial early saves. PSPB struck first in the 20th minute as Vishwas, assisted by Hardik Singh, fired a low drive past SSCB custodian Vikas Dahiya. Gurjant Singh doubled the lead in the 35th minute with a reverse-stick finish, only for SSCB’s Rahul Rajbhar to pull one back shortly after.
The decisive moment arrived in the 52nd minute when Mandeep Antil intercepted a loose pass, feinted past Sushil Dhanwar, and unleashed a top-corner rocket to make it 3-1. PSPB held firm for the remainder, with Pathak saving crucial penalty corners to seal the victory.
“We played for every oil rig worker who dreams of this,” said an emotional Ramandeep Singh, lifting the gleaming trophy amid silver confetti.
Awards and Accolades
- Winners: PSPB – Rs 2.5 lakh
- Runners-Up: SSCB – Rs 1.25 lakh
- Third Place: CAG – Rs 75,000
- Best Goalkeeper: Ankit Malik (CAG) – Rs 25,000
- Best Defender: Sushil Dhanwar (SSCB) – Rs 25,000
- Best Midfielder: Manpreet Singh (Indian Army) – Rs 25,000
- Best Forward: Affan Yusuf (PSPB) – Rs 25,000
- Player of the Tournament: Ketan Kushwaha (UP Hockey) – Rs 50,000
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey praised the depth and competitive spirit: “This tournament mirrors India’s Olympic journey—corporate, services, and states uniting for glory.”
Beyond the Trophy: Nurturing India’s Hockey Future
The tournament served as a launchpad for young talent, with 60% of players under 25. PSPB’s triumph boosts morale ahead of international campaigns, while SSCB’s resilience cements their status as a powerhouse. Live streaming attracted over 500,000 views, and sponsorship from ONGC and the UP Tourism Board highlighted hockey’s cultural and promotional significance.
For players like Affan Yusuf, the event is transformative: “Babu taught us flair; today, we added fire.” Amid cricket’s dominance, the 3-1 final is a reminder: hockey’s heartbeat pulses strong in Lucknow’s green fields.
