All the top players from the city representing some of the leading teams will be seen in action during the annual Mount Carmel Invitation Floodlit Rink Hockey Tournament, 2018, organised by the Carmel Sports Committee at the Mount Carmel Church compound from Tuesday, May 15 to Saturday, May 19.The tournament is being conducted under the auspices of the MHAL.

The five-a-side tournament will comprise of competition in three categories — men’s, women’s and veteran men’s section. The matches promise to produce some fast-paced and exciting action. A total of 16 teams will fight it out for the top honours in the men’s category, while the women’s draw has attracted eight teams and there are six teams competing for the veteran men’s title.

This is a knockout tournament and each match will be played over a short 20-minute duration for women and veterans and 25 minute duration for men.

Member of Carmel sports committee and tournament organising secretary, former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha said: “Rink hockey is continuing to grow in popularity. Players and teams are keen to participate in this short format as it helps them to stay in touch with the sport during the off-season. The pace is very fast and it helps players improve their reflexes as they have to be extra alert throughout the match.”

Meanwhile, joint organising secretary, Claudius DeSales, judge at the London Olympics and International hockey technical officer said: “This format of the game is just like your IPL cricket. Rink hockey is action-packed and plenty of goals are scored in every match, which provides hockey enthusiasts many exciting moments. Like in the previous editions, this year, too, there will be many closely-contested matches and we welcome all hockey fans to come and witness some thrilling hockey action.”

The champions and runners-up teams will be presented with trophies and cash awards. In addition there will be individual awards.

Central Railway, Bombay Republicans, Companeroes SC, Sea View SC, SAISA, Ave Maria SC, Central Bank of India, Rebels SC, Jablonski SC, Rush SC, Mansi Foundation, Kalina Village Boys, Stanislaus SC, Dominic Savio SC, United Bandra SC and Mumbai Customs are the teams which will participate in the men’s event of the tourney.

The women’s draw will feature teams like Central Railway, Western Railway, Valchandsons SC, Sea View SC, Hockey Lovers, Freunds SC, Halleys SC and Hugh Fernandes Academy.

The Veteran’s event has also attracted top teams like, Hockey Dadar, Rebels SC, Kalina Village Boys, Freunds SC, Sea View and Air India.

Participating teams – Women: Halleys SC, Sea View, Valchandsons SC, Western Railway, Central Railway, Freunds SC, Hugh Fernandes Academy and Hockey Lovers SC.

Men: Central Bank of India, Bombay Republicans, Rebels SC, Jablonski SC, Companeroes SC, Sea View SC, Rush SC, Central Railway, Ave Maria, Mansi Foundation, Kalina Village Boys, Stanislaus SC, Dominic Savio SC, Saisa SC, United Bandra SC & Mumbai Customs.

Veteran’s Men: Rebels SC, Freunds SC, Kalina Village Boys, Hockey Dadar, Sea View & Air India.