The Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Tournament, which began on August 19 at the Polo View Hockey Stadium in Srinagar, concluded yesterday with an exhilarating final match. The Chinar Strikers emerged victorious, defeating Baramula 1-0.
Organized by the Headquarters 31 Sub Area of the Chinar Corps in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council and Hockey J&K, the tournament celebrated National Sports Day, commemorating Major Dhyan Chand, India’s greatest field hockey player. The event received support from the Liberty Group, which distributed hockey shoes and bags to the players.
This second edition of the league-based tournament featured 12 teams from 10 districts across the Kashmir valley. The competition included 12 league matches, two semi-finals, and the final. Ramandeep from Baramula was awarded the ‘Man of the Match’ medal for his exceptional performance in the final. Muneer from Shopian received the ‘Best Goalkeeper’ award for his solid defense, while Kamal from Chinar Strikers was named ‘Player of the Tournament’ for his outstanding contributions throughout the event.
In a bid to promote women’s hockey in the Kashmir valley, an exhibition match between Baramula and Srinagar was held prior to the final.
The final was attended by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Chinar Corps and the GOC 31 Sub Area as chief guests. Padma Shri awardee and former Indian hockey team captain Shri Pargat Singh was also a special guest at the event.
The successful conclusion of the tournament underscores the growing enthusiasm for hockey in the region and pays tribute to Major Dhyan Chand’s legacy in Indian sports.
