Junior National Hockey: Semifinal Heartbreak For Odisha Boys, To Play For Bronze

Kovilpatti (Tamil Nadu): It was heartbreak for Odisha boys in the semifinal of the 12th Hockey India Junior Men’s National Championship here on Friday night.

Having matched Chandigarh stride for stride, Odisha bowed 1-3 in penalty shootout after the teams were tied 2-2 at the end of regulation time.

Odisha can still end on a high if they prevail over Haryana in the bronze medal play-off match on Sunday.

Uttar Pradesh edged out Haryana 2-1 in the first semifinal today to set up a title clash with Chandigarh.

Odisha started the semifinal in style, taking the lead through the prolific Laban Lagun in the second minute. Chandigarh equalized through Rohit and it was 1-1 at the end of first quarter.

The second quarter didn’t produce a goal, but Odisha regained the lead through another Lagun strike midway through the third quarter. But they couldn’t hold on to the lead too long as Inderpal Singh restored parity in the 43rd minute.

Chandigarh proved superior in the tie-break, leaving Odisha to rue missed chances.