Odisha Triumphs in Thrilling Final of Hockey India Junior Men National Championship 2026

In an exhilarating final of the 16th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship 2026, the Hockey Association of Odisha triumphed over Hockey Madhya Pradesh with a score of 2-1. The match, held in Coimbatore, saw Odisha take an early lead, only to be equalized by Madhya Pradesh. However, Odisha's captain Deepak Pradhan secured the win with a decisive goal. In the third-place match, Hockey Punjab defeated Hockey Jharkhand 6-3, showcasing impressive offensive skills. Read on for a detailed account of the thrilling championship.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 8, 2026, 20:40 IST

Odisha Claims Championship Title

Coimbatore/Bhubaneswar: The Hockey Association of Odisha has been crowned champions of the 16th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship 2026 - Division ‘A’ after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Hockey Madhya Pradesh in the final held in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

The match kicked off with Odisha taking an early lead, thanks to Mandeep Kerketta's goal just two minutes into the game, which put Madhya Pradesh on the back foot.

Despite the pressure, Hockey Madhya Pradesh fought back and created several scoring chances, but Odisha's defense stood firm. The contest remained tight as both teams vied for dominance in the midfield, seeking openings in the opponent's circle.

Madhya Pradesh managed to equalize in the 37th minute with a goal from Sohil Ali, setting the stage for an exhilarating final quarter. However, Odisha quickly regained the lead when their captain, Deepak Pradhan, scored in the 45th minute.

In the closing moments, Madhya Pradesh intensified their efforts to find another equalizer, but Odisha maintained their composure and defended their 2-1 lead until the final whistle, securing the championship title.

In the third-place playoff, Hockey Punjab showcased a remarkable performance, defeating Hockey Jharkhand 6-3 to clinch the bronze medal.

Punjab started strong, with Gurwinder Singh scoring in the 11th minute. Captain Jarman Singh added two goals in quick succession during 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 valiantly, with Patras Hassa netting a hat-trick with goals in the 33rd, 40th, and 56th minutes. However, Punjab's offensive prowess ensured a convincing 6-3 victory, securing third place in the tournament.