Maharashtra stuns former champion BPCL in Murugappa Gold Cup Hockey.

Maharashtra displayed exemplary fighting spirit to script a stunning 5-4 win over former champion BPCL in the 95th MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup All-India hockey tournament held here on Friday.

Earlier, Odisha registered a compact 4-1 victory over Karnataka, last year’s finalist, for its first win in two matches.

Playing in the tournament for the first time, Maharashtra came roaring back from being 0-2 and then 1-3 down to register a fine victory.

Things changed dramatically in the third and fourth quarters. From being 1-3 down, Maharashtra scored four goals: a brace each by Aditya Lalage, a current junior world cupper and Stephen Swamy. BPCL, however, had its chances in the final quarter.

Trailing 3-5, BPCL reduced the margin through a stroke that was converted by Varun Kumar.

With four minutes remaining for the final whistle, BPCL had a golden opportunity to equalise. But Varun’s stroke was saved by goalkeeper Shivratna Rasal.