Bhubaneswar: Odisha fought off the challenge of hosts Punjab in the semifinal to advance to the title clash of the 15th Hockey India Junior Men’s National Championship.
In an exciting clash at Jalandhar on Thursday, Odisha found the matchwinner two minutes from the final hooter to edge out Punjab 3-2.
In two days’ time, Odisha will vie for the winners’ trophy with Haryana, who defeated Uttar Pradesh 3-0 in the first semifinal.
Odisha took the lead twice on Thursday, only to let Punjab level scores both time. Pratap Toppo scored in the opening minute, and then again on the stroke of first-quarter hooter. For Punjab, captain Gursewak Singh (12’) and Manmeet Singh Rai (44’) were the scorers.
With the match tied 2-2 and a shootout imminent, Karan Lakra scored in the 58th minute to seal the deal for Odisha.
Aryan Khes was adjudged best player of the match.
In the quarterfinal on Wednesday, Odisha walloped Manipur 9-0, thanks to a brace from Karan Lakra, and a goal apiece from Bilkan Oram, Ritik Lakra, Yojin Minz, Nitesh Minz, Harun Minz, Abhisek Topno and Deepak Pradhan.
