The Indian Navy emerged victorious in the 97th edition of the All-India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup, overcoming Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) in a tense final at the
The decisive moment arrived when Navy goalkeeper Ankit Malik produced a vital save against Sudeep Chirmako. With the pressure mounting, Kuldeep stepped up to convert his attempt, securing the title for his side after both teams had successfully converted four of their initial five penalty strokes.
A Tactical Battle of Attrition
The match was defined by tight defensive play and missed opportunities, as both teams struggled to capitalise on penalty corners and open-play chances throughout the regulation time. The Navy broke the deadlock in the 14th minute when Abhishek Topno netted the opener, capitalising on a well-constructed play involving Pawan Rajbhar and Sundra Pandi down the left flank.
BPCL remained competitive thanks to the efforts of goalkeeper Vikas Dahiya, who denied Harjeet Singh a crucial goal in the 21st minute. Just as the first half neared its conclusion, BPCL found their equaliser in the final seconds. Anmol Ekka struck from a penalty corner, ensuring the teams headed into the break on level terms.
Shootout Drama Decides the Trophy
The second half saw both sides attempt to break the deadlock, with each team earning two penalty corners in the third quarter alone. However, neither side could find the back of the net, and the intensity remained high through the final quarter as the match drifted toward penalties.
In the initial shootout phase, Ashis Topno, Pawan Rajbhar, Kuldeep, and K. Selvaraj were on target for the Navy, while Yogesh Singh missed his attempt. For BPCL, Charanjeet Singh, Sudeep Chirmako, Harjeet Singh, and Devindar Walmiki successfully converted, while Deepak Pradhan failed to score. With the teams tied after the first five attempts, the match moved into sudden death, where Malik’s heroics and Kuldeep’s composure ultimately handed the Indian Navy the prestigious trophy.
