After successfully conducting state-level competitions for three years, Syed Ahmed Memorial invitation hockey tournament goes national. This edition, scheduled from July 6 to 15, will feature a clutch of leading national teams, apart from the best in the State. A total of 20 teams including four from outside the city, 11 from the city and five from the districts would compete in the championship. The winner takes home a cheque of `1 lakh while the runner-up will get `75,000. Former Indian skipper Dhanraj Pillay and former player Sabu Varkey are part of the organising committee.
Teams: Western Railways, Kovilpatti, Dominic Memorial, Income Tax, Indian Bank, Central Excise, Tirunelveli, Trichy, IOB, Lucknow Sports Hostel, South Central Railway, State Bank of India, TN Police, Nilgris, ICF, Southern Railway, Vadipatti, Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu, SAI and Army XI.