Hockey enthusiasts in Pune are buzzing with anticipation as the 41st PSPB Inter-Unit Hockey Tournament tees off Thursday evening under dazzling floodlights at Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium. Hosted by BPCL under Deepak Jain’s stewardship, this PSPB-organized extravaganza features PSU heavyweights BPCL, IOCL, ONGC, and EIL in an exhilarating all-play-all league.
Breaking new ground, the entire tournament will be contested post-sunset, a format debuted successfully in last year’s women’s nationals. The schedule opens at 7:30 PM Thursday, building to a climactic final on March 8.
BPCL enters as title holders, having clinched the last edition with Devinder Walmiki—2016 Olympian and Maharashtra stalwart—at the helm. IOCL’s runner-up finish adds fuel to the fire for redemption.
In his remarks, Jain celebrated the event’s legacy: ‘The PSPB Tournament stands tall among India’s premier institutional hockey battles, parading elite talent nationwide. Pune hosting the 41st is a proud milestone for BPCL, spotlighting Olympians who honor their organizations while championing our national game.’
He noted BPCL’s pivotal role in elevating sports performance and promoting hockey across levels, bringing premium action to Pune and PCMC. Stars such as Tushar Khandkar, Devinder Walmiki, and Birendra Lakra will grace the turf, elevating the competition.
This edition blends tradition with innovation, promising nail-biting encounters, skillful displays, and the raw energy of PSU pride. As lights flood the stadium, Pune hockey fans are poised for an unforgettable chapter in the sport’s storied history.