Oxford will stage its biggest hockey tournament as the city hosts World Grand Masters Cup next week.

This two-yearly tournament, for players who are aged 60 years and over, is being held in England in recognitionof the London 2012 Olympics, and Oxford was chosen as the venue.

The games will be played at the refurbished Oxford Hawks club who boast two new all-weather pitches at its Banbury Road North headquarters.

The tournament will be opened on Tuesday by the Lord Mayor of Oxford, Alan Armitage, who will welcome players from 41 teams from countries ranging from Germany to Japan.

So 120 matches will be played in the tournament which runs from next Wednesday until Friday, August 24, and there are two matches in progress all day starting at 9.00a.m. and finishing around 7.30pm.

England, the present Cup holders in all the three age divisions (60+, 65+ and 70+) will be keen to defend theirs titles.

There will be a tented village, covered seating , refreshments and there is free admission). Oxford Hawks have been making preparations over the past 18 months to host this prestige event.

Richard Clarke, secretary of the organising committee and past chairman of Oxford Hawks, said: “The tournament is largely self-financed and players have to pay their own travel and hotel costs.

“The enthusiasm and cameraderie generated by the world cup from such an older age group is a great tribute to the the love of hockey worldwide.”