National Hockey: Odisha March Into Final, Haryana Stand In The Way Of History

Chennai: The Odisha men’s hockey team is within one win of making history.

Odisha came from behind twice to overcome the challenge of Manipur 4-2 at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium to storm into the title round of the 14th Hockey India Senior Men’s National Championship 2024.

Standing between Odisha and their first National Championship triumph are Haryana, who edged past Uttar Pradesh 3-2 in the second semifinal on Friday.

India international Nilakanta Sharma gave Manipur the lead in the 7th minute when he converted a penalty stroke. Neelam Sanjeep Xess, another India player, equalised through a penalty corner in the 20th minute.

Manipur again took the lead in the 25th minute, through Ganendrajit Ningombam.

Trailing 1-2 at half-time, Odisha came back strongly to score two goals within a minute in the final quarter. The prolific Sudeep Chirmako and Pradip Kujur scored fine goals to seal a historic win for Odisha.

Odisha men’s best effort in the National Championship has been a third-place finish.

On Saturday, they will look to emulate their women’s team, which lifted the National crown in 2022.