Bengaluru: The Indian Air Force emerged victorious in the 7th edition of the prestigious Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey Tournament 2026, defeating the Indian Navy 2-1 in a closely contested final at the Amit Singh Bakshi Hockey Stadium, Air Force Station Jalahalli.
The tournament, held from June 23 to July 3, witnessed enthusiastic participation from 16 teams representing various organisations and institutions, making it one of the prominent hockey events on the domestic sporting calendar.
The closing ceremony was held on July 3 and was attended by Air Marshal Seethepalli Shrinivas, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Renowned Indian hockey personalities Baljeet Kaur and P. R. Sreejesh were the Guests of Honour at the ceremony.
The championship match lived up to expectations as the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy battled fiercely for the title. Displaying composure and attacking flair, the Air Force team edged past their naval counterparts by a 2-1 margin to lift the coveted trophy.
Individual performances also drew appreciation during the tournament. Sergeant Anand Lakra of the Indian Air Force was named Man of the Match for his outstanding contribution in the final, while AGV (S) Agyapal was adjudged the Player of the Tournament for his consistent performances throughout the competition.
During the prize distribution ceremony, the winners and runners-up were presented with medals and trophies in recognition of their achievements. The champion Indian Air Force team received a cash award of ₹10 lakh, while the runner-up Indian Navy team was awarded ₹8 lakh.
Held in memory of the legendary Arjan Singh, the tournament continues to celebrate sporting excellence, teamwork, and the enduring spirit of hockey. Over the years, it has evolved into a significant platform for showcasing talent while strengthening camaraderie among the armed forces and the wider sporting community.
The successful conclusion of the seventh edition once again highlighted the Indian Air Force’s commitment to promoting sports and nurturing excellence, while paying tribute to one of India’s most distinguished military leaders.
