The spirit of sportsmanship and military honour came alive at the Raghbir Singh Bhola Hockey Stadium in Chandigarh as the 6th edition of the Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey Tournament-2025 concluded in grand fashion. The prestigious event, held from April 29 to May 6 witnessed intense competition, electrifying matches and a heartfelt tribute to one of India's most iconic military heroes and hockey patrons Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh DFC.
Presiding over the closing ceremony was Air Marshal PK Ghosh, Air Officer-in-Charge, Administration, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Under the glow of the evening sky and in the presence of international dignitaries hockey enthusiasts, and air warriors, the tournament's final match delivered a thrilling climax.
Indian Railways emerged victorious after a dramatic face-off against Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala. With the scoreboard locked at the final whistle, the game went into a tie-breaker, where Indian Railways triumphed 3-1 clinching the coveted title.
Individual brilliance was also acknowledged with Atuldeep being named Man of the Match and Amritpal Singh honoured as the Player of the Tournament. Their consistent performance and composure under pressure lit up the field throughout the tournament.
The Chief Guest awarded the winner’s trophy along with a cash prize of ₹3,00,000 to the Indian Railways team, while the runners-up received ₹2,00,000 in a moment of pride and legacy, prominent international hockey players were also felicitated, further amplifying the global spirit of the event.
Named in honour of Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, the tournament serves as a fitting homage to the late Air Force stalwart, whose leadership in both war and sports remains an enduring inspiration. Known for his deep passion for hockey, Arjan Singh saw the game as a symbol of discipline, strategy, and unity virtues he embodied throughout his service.
With the participation of 12 teams including Air Force teams and international sides from two foreign countries, the 2025 edition reasserted its reputation as a top-tier fixture in India’s hockey calendar reinforcing bonds of camaraderie between defence personnel and civilians through the universal language of sport.
As the curtain falls on this edition the legacy of Marshal Arjan Singh continues to echo not only through the roar of the crowd and clash of sticks but through the hearts of those who uphold honour discipline, and the love of the game.(PR)