PSPB Inter-Unit Hockey Tournament: BPCL begin campaign with a victory

Pune, 6th March 2026: Defending champions Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) fought off the spirited challenge of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to begin their campaign on a winning note in the 41st PSPB Inter-Unit Hockey Tournament at the Major Dhyanchand Hockey Stadium, Nehrunagar-Pimpri, here on Thursday.

In a crack opening encounter under lights, BPCL played out a 0-0 draw at the half-way stage. Changing ends, BPCL went ahead via a penalty-corner converted by current India international Rajinder Singh (38′) who beat the IOCL goalkeeper Pathak for a 1-0 lead. Ten minutes later, BPCL doubled the scoreline (2-0) when Rajinder Singh (48’) was once again bang on target.

With BPCL taking the advantage, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) pulled one back when it was Gurjinder Singh (55′) turn to convert a penalty corner and reduce the scoreline to 1-2.

However, three minutes later BPCL struck their third goal when another current India international Sandeep Chirmako (58′) scored off a field goal to swell BPCL tally to 3-1.

IOCL fought back and reduced the margin when Affan Yousuf (59′) netted to take the scoreline to 2-3.

In the other match of the day, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) had it easy in their opener against Engineers India Limited (EIL) and won 2-0. Both goals, one in each half, came from Janpit Singh (15’ and 55’) after the first half ended 1-0 in favour of ONGC.

BPCL lead the standings with three-points, followed by ONGC who has three-points but had an inferior goal difference as compared to BPCL.

RESULTS (Day-1)

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited: 3 (Rajinder Singh 38′, 48′; Sandeep Chirmako 58′) bt Indian Oil Corporation Limited: 2 (Gurjinder Singh 55′; Affan Yousuf 59′). HT: 0-0

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation: 2 (Janpit Singh 15′, 55′) bt Engineers India Limited: 0. HT: 1-0