It’s time for hockey action in Tiruchi with the senior inter-district men’s championship getting off to a start on Friday.
“Taking part with sportive spirit is more important than winning or losing,” said K.Selvaraj, Deputy Superintendent of Police, District Crime Branch, Tiruchi, who inaugurated the tournament.
The four-day tourney, being organised by the Unified Tiruchi District Hockey at Anna Stadium, has attracted 27 district teams.
The teams have been split into eight pools and the winner from each pool will qualify for the quarterfinals. The finals will be played on Monday.
“Such tournaments would go a long way in spotting talent and also help promote the sport among youngsters,” said N.R.Radhakrishnan, president, Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu.
P.Khadar Mohideen, secretary, Unified Tiruchi District Hockey, said tight contests were on cards with the participation of talented teams in the tourney.
N.Annavi, former international high jumper; Ravi M.Dhanraj, vice-president, Unified Tiruchi District Hockey; and R.Mohan, former general manager, Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, took part in the inaugural function.
The Tamil Nadu team for the national championship at Bangalore later this month will be selected from this tournament.
