India stars add spice to Murugappa Cup

CHENNAI: Big-time hockey is back in Chennai. With several Indian stars like PR Sreejesh, VR Raghunath, Rupinderpal Singh, Kothajit Singh, Nitin and Nikin Thimaiaah representing their respective teams in the All-India Murugappa Cup that kicks off at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium on Thursday, there's a buzz in the city hockey circuit.
Overnight rain spoiled last-minute preparations for most of the teams participating in the tournament, which will see local favourties Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) taking on South Central Railway in the first match of the tournament, while former champions Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) face new entrants Steel Authority Of India Limited later.
IOB, who had a brief practice session at the YMCA, Nandanam ground on Wednesday afternoon, are one of the strongest sides in the championship. They made it to the semifinals four years back, but since then things haven't gone well for them in this tournament.
IOB are the only local team in the tournament and boast of some of the best international players like 'keeper Sreejesh, drag-flicker Rupinder and former India forward Adam Sinclair. BPCL, who won the title in 2006, will start favourties against SAIL, who have been given entry for the first time. BPCL, who lost to IOC 3-4 in a tight match in the semifinals last year, will bank on experienced campaigners like Hari Prasad and former India defender William Xalco.