Coimbatore: Odisha boys towered above the rest to emerge champions in the Hockey India Junior Men’s National Championship in Coimbatore.
Odisha dominated Saturday’s final to overcome Madhya Pradesh 2-1.
Mandeep Kerketta handed Odisha the lead just two minutes into the title clash. They missed chances to double their advantage, and the scoreline remained in Odisha’s favour at the halfway mark.
Sohil Ali equalised for Madhya Pradesh seven minutes into the third quarter with a stinging drag-flick off a penalty corner.
Eight minutes later, Odisha regained the lead as Deepak Pradhan scored from a skilful variation following a penalty corner.
Neither team managed to score in the final quarter, giving Odisha a deserving victory.
It was Odisha’s fifth Junior National triumph, putting them just one title behind record-holders Punjab.
Odisha had conquered a strong Punjab team 6-4 in a thrilling semifinal, while Madhya Pradesh got past Jharkhand 2-0.
Punjab grabbed third place with a 6-3 win over Jharkhand earlier on Saturday.