Hockey Association of Odisha Crowned Champions in National Junior Championship
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu | 8 August 2026: The Hockey Association of Odisha triumphed in the 16th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship 2026 – Division ‘A’ by defeating Hockey Madhya Pradesh 2-1 in an exciting final match held in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
The final was a thrilling contest as both teams showed great determination. Odisha started strong, with Mandeep Kerketta scoring just two minutes into the match, giving his team an early lead and putting pressure on Madhya Pradesh.
Despite the setback, Hockey Madhya Pradesh fought back confidently, creating multiple chances. However, Odisha’s defense held firm, and the match remained highly competitive as both teams exchanged control in the midfield.
In the 37th minute, Madhya Pradesh equalized with a goal from Sohil Ali, setting the stage for an exciting final quarter. Odisha responded quickly, with their captain, Deepak Pradhan, scoring again in the 45th minute and putting his team back in the lead.
With the championship at stake, Madhya Pradesh pushed hard for another equalizer in the closing moments. Nonetheless, Odisha maintained their resolve, defending their slim 2-1 lead until the final whistle, earning them the title of champions in the tournament.
In the match for third place, Hockey Punjab showcased an impressive performance, defeating Hockey Jharkhand 6-3 to claim the bronze medal.
Punjab started strong, with Gurwinder Singh scoring in the 11th minute. Captain Jarman Singh then added two quick goals in the 34th and 36th minutes. Charanjeet Singh contributed two more goals in the 52nd and 53rd minutes, while Ajaypal Singh rounded off the scoring with a goal in the 41st minute.
Jharkhand fought bravely, with Patras Hassa scoring a hat-trick in the 33rd, 40th, and 56th minutes. Despite their efforts, Punjab’s attacking skill led them to a convincing victory, finishing third in the tournament.
