The Conference Hall at Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, Egmore, pulsed with excitement as the Tiruvallur Premier League (TPL) officially unveiled the plans for its third edition in a vibrant press meet attended by hockey legends, active internationals, coaches, media, and enthusiastic fans.
Launched in 2023, the TPL has quickly grown into Tamil Nadu’s premier institutional and club-level hockey competition. Its mission: blend grassroots development with professional-standard play and take the sport to a wider audience — an ambition supercharged this year with live broadcasts on the Hockey Tiruvallur YouTube channel and i1SPORTS.
Welcome Address & Setting the Tone
The evening began with a stirring welcome from Padmashri V. Baskaran, League Director of TPL and captain of India’s 1980 Olympic gold medal-winning hockey team.
“TPL is not just a league, it’s a movement. This year’s edition will be bigger, better, and brighter — especially with our grand finale under floodlights. Whether you’re in the stands or watching online, you’re part of this journey,” he said, drawing applause from all corners of the hall.
TPL Now & The Future Vision
Dr. Prakash Ayyadurai, President of Hockey Tiruvallur, outlined the league’s remarkable journey from its 2023 debut to the present.
“In our first two seasons, we proved we could deliver top-tier hockey. Now, we’re building a culture — heroes fans can cheer for, matches that draw crowds, and opportunities for our players to shine on bigger stages,” he said.
He emphasised the league’s role in creating clear pathways for talented athletes to move into national and international hockey.
Team, Managers & Coaches Introductions
Mr. Mohammed Muneer, TPL Technical Director, introduced the competing teams for 2025:
Pool A:
- Income Tax
- Moscow Magic
- Dhyand Veerans
- GST & Central Excise
- Indian Overseas Bank
Pool B:
- Indian Bank
- AGORC
- SM Nagar Hockey
- Pattabiram Strikers
- Southern Railway
Also in attendance were Mr. Navneedha Krishnan, Secretary of Hockey Tiruvallur, Mr. Rajendran, Treasurer of Hockey Tiruvallur, and other office bearers and members whose commitment behind the scenes ensures the smooth running of the league.
Mascot ‘MAARAA’ Unveiling
The crowd erupted in cheers as the TPL’s official mascot, ‘MAARAA’, was unveiled. Sculpted by Sirpi Mr. Sathish Raja and revealed by Olympian Mr. Thirumalvalavan, MAARAA represents speed, determination, and the fighting spirit of Tamil Nadu hockey.
The mascot will be a prominent presence throughout the tournament in promotional materials and match ceremonies.
Hockey Thaan Hero – The Anthem Release
The atmosphere shifted to high energy with the release of the league’s anthem, ‘Hockey Thaan Hero’, composed by celebrated percussionist Mr. Siddharth Nagarajan. Joining him was Olympian Mr. Mohammed Riaz.
“This is more than a song, it’s hockey’s heartbeat,” Siddharth said. “We want fans to feel the pulse of the game before the first whistle and after the final hooter.”
The anthem will be played during team entrances, celebrations, and key moments throughout the season.
Making Hockey Entertaining & Fan-Friendly
Acclaimed director Malini Jivarathinam addressed the gathering on the importance of making hockey a more engaging spectator sport. She shared creative ideas for elevating the matchday experience through music, interactive commentary, dynamic presentation styles, and tighter storytelling for online audiences.
Interactions with Legends & Young Stars
Mr. C.R. Kumar, Indian Hockey Coach, shared insights into spotting and nurturing talent.
Young Tamil Nadu stars Marreswaran, Anand, and Satish, currently representing India at the international level, spoke about their journeys, the discipline required to succeed, and how leagues like TPL give emerging talent vital exposure to competitive environments.
Media representatives quizzed organisers on topics ranging from expansion plans to match officiating. Dr. Prakash confirmed that discussions are ongoing for a women’s edition of the league.
The organisers reiterated that every single match from August 11 to 31 will be streamed live on the Hockey Tiruvallur YouTube channel and i1SPORTS, making the league accessible to fans across India and beyond.
Recognition of Hockey Tiruvallur Members
The evening also recognised the tireless contributions of Hockey Tiruvallur’s dedicated members, volunteers, and technical teams. Their efforts have fuelled the league’s growth since its inception.
Special mention was made of Pattabiram Strikers, a team that has built a formidable reputation across Tamil Nadu by winning multiple state-level tournaments and carrying forward a proud tradition of competitive hockey. Their progress from a strong local outfit to a consistent TPL contender exemplifies the vision and spirit of the league.
Tournament Schedule – Bigger, Better, Brighter
The 2025 edition will run from August 11 to 31 at Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, Egmore, with two matches daily during the pool stages.
The format will see top teams from each pool advance to the Super Six stage, followed by knockout battles for the trophy.
The qualifiers are set for August 30, and the grand final will be played on August 31 under the floodlights — a first for the league, promising a spectacular end to the season.
