Pune is set to become the epicenter of institutional hockey action as it hosts the 41st edition of the prestigious PSPB Inter-Unit Hockey Tournament starting Thursday. Organized under the aegis of the Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB), the event will unfold at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium, drawing top teams from India’s leading public sector undertakings.
For the first time, matches will be played under floodlights, adding a thrilling nocturnal dimension to the competition. This innovative twist follows the recent 14th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship, which also embraced floodlit games. Four powerhouse teams—Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), and Engineers India Limited (EIL)—will battle in an all-play-all format, vying for top honors.
The tournament kicks off with the opening match at 7:30 PM on Thursday, culminating in the final on the evening of March 8. BPCL, the defending champions led by 2016 Olympian and Maharashtra captain Devinder Walmiki in the previous edition, will host this year’s spectacle under the leadership of Chief General Manager (Sports), Deepak Jain.
Jain expressed immense pride in hosting the event, stating, ‘Over the years, the PSPB Hockey Tournament has earned its reputation as one of India’s most respected institutional championships, showcasing top-tier talent from across the nation. Hosting the 41st edition in Pune is a matter of great pride for BPCL, as it provides a special platform for Olympians who elevate the tournament and bring glory to their companies.’
He further emphasized the event’s role in celebrating India’s national sport and BPCL’s commitment to fostering competition and delivering exciting matches for hockey enthusiasts. The tournament promises high-level action for both Pune and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) regions.
Adding star power are renowned Indian hockey stars like Tushar Khandkar, Devinder Walmiki, and Birendra Lakra, whose participation is expected to infuse the games with unparalleled excitement. As these teams clash, fans can anticipate fierce rivalries, exceptional skills, and moments of sporting brilliance that define the legacy of PSPB hockey.