The Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium in Accra came alive last Saturday as fans, players and dignitaries gathered for the 13th edition of the Atta Mills Memorial Hockey Tournament — a celebration of both sport and legacy in honour of the late President John Evans Atta Mills.

Since its inception in 2012, the tournament has grown into a cherished fixture on Ghana’s sporting calendar, paying homage to a leader who didn’t just lead the nation, but once patrolled the hockey pitch himself with equal grace.

This year’s edition was no different, as big names turned out to remember the statesman and hockey enthusiast. Among them were the late president’s brother and MP for Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem (KEEA), Samuel Atta-Mills, Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, President of the Ghana Olympic Committee, Richard Akpokavie, Ghana Hockey Association boss Dr K.D. Asante, and the ever-respected Ahwoi brothers.

But it was not all ceremony. The action on the turf delivered thrills aplenty, with five fiercely contested matches lighting up the day in true Atta Mills fashion: spirited, skillful and sportsmanlike.

The standout encounter saw Atta Mills XI edge out a seasoned Senior Select side 4-3 in a pulsating showdown that had the crowd on its feet.

A nail-biter from start to finish, it was a fitting centrepiece for the day’s festivities.

Earlier, a rampaging Financial Services Select team overwhelmed Security Services with a commanding 5-1 win, while Einstein outclassed the University of Ghana 3-1 in a clash that showcased some of the tournament’s brightest individual talents.

In the women’s division, Police Ladies delivered a statement performance with a dominant 5-1 win over the National U-21 Girls, underlining their pedigree on the domestic scene.

The action kicked off with a thrilling curtain-raiser as the National U-21 Boys edged Ark Academy Boys 3-2, setting the tone for a day packed with pace, precision and passion.

As the tournament marked its 13th year, it was clear that the legacy of Professor Atta Mills lives on — not just in the speeches or tributes, but in every stick swing, goal scored and cheer from the stands.