Army XI Clinch 3rd Marshall of the Air Force Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey Tourney
Army XI is on a roll. After a creditable runners-up finish at the Obaidullah Heritage Cup at Bhopal, the Armymen went one step better clinching the 3rd Marshall of the Air Force Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey Tourney at the Astroturf Hockey Ground of 3 BRD in Chandigarh. Army XI and Indian Air Force engaged in an intense final match and remained locked 2-2 in regulation time as the match headed into a shootout. Army XI goalkeeper was the hero of the shootout as he churned out crucial saves as they won the shootout 5-4.
The tournament is being organised by the Indian Air Force Sports Control Board (AFSCB) – it is being revived after a three-year hiatus owing to Covid-19. It may be worth recalling that Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai had won the 3rd Marshall of the Air Force Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey Tournament held in 2009, prevailing over South-Central Railway 7-5 in a shootout after both teams were tied 2-2 in normal time. 16 teams participated in the 2019 edition that featured Air Force teams from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Punjab Police had won the 1st Marshall of the Air Force Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey Tournament held in 2018 – the Punjab cops had sailed past Indian Air Force 5-2 in the final.
