Former champions Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) showcased their resilience and tactical prowess in a thrilling 3-2 victory over a formidable Army side in the semifinals of the 95th MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup All-India hockey tournament.
The match began with a cautious approach from both teams, with neither side able to break the deadlock in the first two quarters. However, the third quarter witnessed a surge in intensity as IOC’s Aarman Qureshi broke the ice with a sliding push home off a pass from Gujinder Singh.
IOC’s momentum continued in the fourth quarter when Sumit Kumar converted a rebound from a penalty corner. Army, known for their tenacity, refused to surrender and Cyril Lugun’s goal through a stroke ignited their fighting spirit.
Army pressed relentlessly, earning three penalty corners in quick succession. However, IOC’s defense held firm, denying them the equalizer. Gujinder Singh’s stroke goal for IOC further dampened Army’s hopes, but they refused to give up.
In the dying minutes, Army earned another penalty corner and Cyril Lugun converted it to bring the score to 3-2. Despite their valiant efforts, Army could not find the equalizer, and IOC emerged victorious.
In the other semifinal, defending champions Indian Railways outplayed Odisha 4-0, courtesy of a hat-trick by Joginder Singh. Yuvraj Walmiki scored the other goal for Railways, who will now face IOC in the final.
