Hockey Punjab and Odisha Shine at National Championship with Bronze Medals

Hockey Punjab and the Hockey Association of Odisha have made significant strides at the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior National Championship 2026, each securing Bronze Medals. These achievements highlight their ongoing success in domestic hockey, with both teams consistently producing international-level players. Hockey Punjab has amassed an impressive 33 Medals over the years, while Odisha has built a strong grassroots culture that nurtures young talent. The commitment of both associations to developing hockey in their regions is evident, as they continue to contribute to the national team's success. Read on to discover more about their remarkable journey and future aspirations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 20, 2026, 02:12 IST

Hockey Punjab and Odisha's Remarkable Achievements

New Delhi, April 19: Hockey Punjab and the Hockey Association of Odisha have further solidified their impressive legacy in domestic hockey by securing Bronze Medals at the recently held 16th Hockey India Sub Junior National Championship 2026.

As per an official announcement, Hockey Punjab claimed a podium finish in the men's division, while the Hockey Association of Odisha achieved third place in the women's category.

These accomplishments highlight the ongoing success both teams have experienced in domestic tournaments, consistently finishing on the podium and producing players of international caliber.

Hockey Punjab stands out as a dominant force in domestic competitions, amassing a total of 33 Medals (14 Gold, 6 Silver, 13 Bronze) across various categories. The men's team has been particularly successful, contributing 26 Medals, which includes 5 Gold Medals in both the Senior and Junior Men's categories.

The senior men's team has been pivotal to this success, recently winning the 15th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2025, with Jugraj Singh emerging as the team's top scorer. Hockey Punjab remains a cornerstone of the Indian men's team, led by Captain Harmanpreet Singh and featuring key players like Hardik Singh in midfield.

The squad also boasts attacking talents such as Sukhjeet Singh and Abhishek, while goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak and defenders Jugraj Singh and Jarmanpreet Singh are notable names in the lineup.

The next generation is also making strides, with Manmeet Singh, Arshdeep Singh, and Princedeep Singh transitioning from strong domestic performances to the Indian junior setup, contributing to India's campaign at the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025.

On the other hand, the Hockey Association of Odisha has established a balanced ecosystem in both men's and women's categories, securing 26 Medals (11 Gold, 7 Silver, 8 Bronze). The men's teams have earned 19 Medals (10 Gold, 6 Silver, 3 Bronze), showcasing exceptional performances in Junior and Sub Junior competitions.

For the women's teams, the Hockey Association of Odisha has achieved 7 Medals (1 Gold, 1 Silver, 5 Bronze), with the Junior Women’s team contributing one Bronze and the Sub Junior Women’s team securing one Silver and four Bronze Medals, indicating a growing talent pipeline.

The strength of the Hockey Association of Odisha lies in its robust grassroots culture, supported by academies, excellent infrastructure, and coaching systems that provide a solid foundation for young athletes. Hockey is deeply ingrained in the state's identity, further enhanced by hosting major international tournaments in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.

This ecosystem has produced a diverse talent pool. On the men's side, Amit Rohidas remains a key player for India, while Amandeep Lakra has emerged as a promising drag-flicking talent from Rourkela. Other notable players include Shilanand Lakra, Sudeep Chirmako, and Nilam Sanjeep Xess, showcasing the depth of talent in the system.

In women's hockey, the Hockey Association of Odisha continues to nurture exciting young prospects, with Sunelita Toppo emerging as a sensation, alongside Ajmina Kujur and Sujata Kujur, reflecting their growing strength in the sport.

Commenting on these achievements, Nitin Kohli, President of Hockey Punjab, stated, “Hockey has always been a source of pride for Punjab, and it’s gratifying to see our teams consistently achieving podium finishes in domestic tournaments. This success reflects the strong hockey culture in our state and the dedication of our players, coaches, and support staff. Punjab has historically contributed significantly to Indian hockey, and we are committed to continuing this legacy by developing players for the national team.”

Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India and the Hockey Association of Odisha, remarked, “Congratulations to our Sub Junior Women’s team for their podium finish at the National Championship. Hockey is deeply embedded in Odisha's culture, and the consistent performances of our teams across categories demonstrate the strength of our grassroots ecosystem. Our academies and coaches have been instrumental in nurturing young talent, and it’s encouraging to see players reaching the highest levels and representing India. We will keep investing in a strong future for Indian hockey in our state.”