Odisha Claims Victory in 16th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship 2026
Odisha Triumphs in National Championship Final
Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) [India], August 10: 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 on Sunday.
The match was a fierce contest, with Odisha taking an early lead. Mandeep Kerketta scored just two minutes into the game, putting Odisha ahead and applying pressure on Madhya Pradesh, as reported by Hockey India.
Despite the setback, Hockey Madhya Pradesh responded vigorously, creating several scoring chances, but Odisha's defense stood firm. The game remained tightly contested, with both teams vying for dominance in the midfield and seeking opportunities in the attacking zone.
Madhya Pradesh managed to equalize in the 37th minute with a goal from Sohil Ali, setting the stage for a thrilling final quarter. However, Odisha quickly regained the lead when their captain, Deepak Pradhan, scored in the 45th minute.
As the championship title hung in the balance, Madhya Pradesh pressed forward in search of another equalizer. Nevertheless, Odisha maintained their composure and defended their 2-1 lead until the final whistle, securing their championship title.
In the third-place match, 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 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 decisive 6-3 victory, securing third place in the tournament.