Hockey India Masters Cup 2025 begins in Chennai at Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, promoting veteran players aged 35+ and 40+ in a national tournament.
Chennai to Host Inaugural Hockey India Masters Cup from June 18
Exciting Tournament Kicks Off in Chennai
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is all set to host the inaugural Hockey India Masters Cup 2025, running from June 18 to June 27. Organized by Hockey India, the Tamil Nadu Hockey Unit has invited veteran players to compete in this unique event. The tournament encompasses both men’s and women’s categories and will be held at the iconic Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium
Veteran Players Take Centre Stage
Players participating in the Masters Cup are seasoned athletes — men aged 40+ and women aged 35+. Teams representing states like Odisha, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Puducherry, Himachal Pradesh, and Manipur will vie for the title This platform re‑connects former stars with the sport, rekindling their competitive spirit.
Opening Day Matches & Highlights
- In the women’s section, Hockey Karnataka dominated with a 7–0 thrashing of Kerala, featuring a hat‑trick by Sneha C (15′, 17′, 50′), plus goals by Krithika, Usha, and Josephine
- In the men’s competition, Hockey Punjab edged Le Puducherry Hockey 3–2, with goals from Pavninder Singh, Dharam Pal Singh, and Ripudaman Kumar, while Puducherry was represented by Delhiganesh and N. Kamala Kannan
- Tamil Nadu’s side, the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu, secured an impressive 8–0 win against Kerala, led by brace‑scorer Ramadoss V, supported by Sudharsan, Thamaraikannan, Adam Antony Sinclair, Vinoth Kumar, Cedric Marcellin D Cruz, and Sathish Kumar
- A forfeit in the women’s category granted Hockey Maharashtra a 5–0 victory over Himachal Pradesh
Tournament Format & Significance
This Masters Cup combines league and knockout stages, catering to senior athletes representing state units. With 11 men’s teams and 8 women’s teams competing, the tournament underscores Hockey India’s dedication to veteran player engagement and the promotion of lifelong sporting involvement
Why This News Is Important
Championing Veteran Athletes
The Masters Cup marks a historic milestone in Indian hockey by providing a dedicated platform for players aged 40+ (men) and 35+ (women). This recognition of veteran athletes underscores their importance to the sport’s legacy and future.
Encouraging Grassroots & Legacy Engagement
By drawing participants from various states, Hockey India strengthens grassroots involvement and bridges generations. Seeing former heroes compete can profoundly inspire aspiring players preparing for exams tied to sports such as SSC and state services.
Historical Context
Stadium Legacy
The Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, inaugurated in 1995 and renovated for events like the 2005 Champions Trophy and 2007 Asia Cup, has regularly hosted international tournaments. Its selection reaffirms Chennai’s standing in Indian hockey circles
Hockey India’s Role
Established in 2009 to restore integrity post the Indian Hockey Federation ban, Hockey India governs the sport nationally, emphasizing development across age groups and initiatives like the Masters Cup
Key Takeaways from Hockey India Masters Cup
| # | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | The inaugural Hockey India Masters Cup runs from June 18–27, 2025, in Chennai. |
| 2 | Men’s teams consist of players aged 40+; women’s teams aged 35+. |
| 3 | 11 men’s teams and 8 women’s teams from various states are competing. |
| 4 | The Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai hosts the tournament. |
| 5 | The Cup uses a league + knockout format, highlighting veteran talent. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Hockey India Masters Cup?
The Hockey India Masters Cup is a national-level hockey tournament organized for veteran male and female players, providing a competitive platform for those aged 35 and above.
2. When and where is the inaugural Masters Cup being held?
The inaugural edition is being hosted in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, from June 18 to June 27, 2025.
3. Who is eligible to participate in this tournament?
Men aged 40 years and above and women aged 35 years and above are eligible to participate in the respective categories.
4. How many teams are participating?
A total of 19 teams—11 men’s teams and 8 women’s teams—are participating from across different Indian states and union territories.
5. Why is this tournament significant for government exam aspirants?
It highlights national sports initiatives, governance of sporting bodies, and promotion of veteran engagement—all important themes in general awareness, sports GK, and current affairs sections of competitive exams.
6. Which stadium is hosting the event?
The matches are being played at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, a prominent venue for national and international hockey events.
7. Who organizes the Masters Cup?
The tournament is organized by Hockey India in collaboration with the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu.
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