Good response for 'DNA' hockey

A record number of entries has been confirmed for the Pune Open DNA inter-school hockey tournament which starts on February 7 at the Police ground in Pune’s Shivajinagar.

Organised by DNA, the annual championship enters its four year. Nearly 70 teams in four different age groups have confirmed their participation. The list includes Children’s Academy High School from Malad (Mumbai). The school will field an under-14 team comprising 16 members. This is the first time that an outstation team will be participating in the championship.

“We welcome the Mumbai team and will accommodate them,” said sports teachers who had gathered at the DNA office for the draws on Thursday.

The under-14 category in both girls and boys has attracted the maximum number of teams. “This is a good move and we will continue to participate in the tourney ever year,” said Ramesh Bendre, a sports teacher.

Boys’ U-12 and U-14 teams will play their opening matches on the first day of the championship (starting 9am) on February 7. Girls in both the age groups will be seen in action on the second day, while the quarterfinals and semifinals will be played on the fourth day. All finals will be played on February 10.