Bhubaneswar: In another triumph for sports in the state, Hockey Association Odisha excelled at the 2nd Hockey India Sub Junior Women and Men East Zone Championship 2024, clinching a gold for the men’s team and a silver for the women’s team. In the Men’s category, the Hockey Association of Odisha clinched the title with a thrilling 6-6 (4-3 SO) victory over Hockey Jharkhand in the final. Meanwhile, in the Women’s category, Odisha finished as runners-up after a close contest, where Hockey Jharkhand secured a 1-1 (0-3 SO) win.
The men’s category final saw Hockey Association of Odisha beat Hockey Jharkhand by 6-6 (4-3 SO). For Hockey Association of Odisha, Mithles Kerketta (19’, 60’), Aklesh Lakra (23’), Subodh Lakra (25’) and Mandeep Kerketta (35’, 49’) ethched their names on the scoresheet, while for Hockey Jharkhand, Kiro Sabian (15’, 45’), Nicolas Topno (17’), Purti Ashish Tani (34’, 46’, 52’) were the goal scorers. In the ensuing shootout, Salman Lakra, Dibit Madki, Arman Soreng and Mandeep Kerketta scored for Hockey Association of Odisha, clinching the title.
In the women’s final Odisha were locked in a hard-fought battle against Jharkhand. For Hockey Jharkhand, Shruti Kumari (18’) was the goal scorer, while for Odisha, Priyanka Minz (30’) scored the equaliser. At the end of the regulation time, the match was tied at 1-1. In the shootout, Ankita Lakra, Manjhi Pushpa and Sandeep Kumari scored to make Hockey Jharkhand the winners while Odisha were unable to convert their penalties.
Following the day’s success, Shri Dilip Tirkey, President, Hockey India said, “We are incredibly proud of our teams’ achievements at the 2nd Hockey India Junior Men and Women East Zone Championship 2024. Although we narrowly missed out on two gold medals, this victory is a testament to the rich talent pool we have across all age categories. Our players have shown remarkable skill and determination, and their performances highlight the bright future of hockey in Odisha.”
Praful Tirkey, Head Coach of the Hockey Association of Odisha further added, “We are grateful to have won the gold, but it reflects the growing strength of hockey in Odisha. This victory is not just a reward for the hard work we’ve put in but also a part of the HPCO and the Government of Odisha’s larger efforts to elevate hockey across the state.”
