Bhubaneswar: The teams that have qualified for the quarterfinals of the Hockey Association of Odisha State Junior Men Hockey Championships in Bhubaneswar have been lined up.
After three days’ play of the tournament, organised at KIIT University and Kalinga Stadium from September 18-23, the quarterfinals are scheduled to be held from September 21 to 26 in KIIT University campus. The quarterfinals will see contest between Sahid Madho Singh Hockey Academy v Sundargarh, Khordha/Deogarh v Dhenkanal, Sambalpur v Jharsuguda and Angul v KIIT/KISS.
Over 500 players from districts, academies, and institutions are participating in the championship. The teams are lined up in a knockout format with the eventual winner becoming the first ever Junior Men Champion. The state level championship, which is organised for the first time, saw record participation of 28 district teams and 2 academy and institution teams.
Speaking on the championship, president of Hockey Association of Odisha and Chairman of Hockey Promotion Council, Dilip Tirkey said, “I am delighted with the response from all the districts and their love for hockey. Having 28 districts participating in a hockey tournament in Odisha is unprecedented. Hockey is not limited to just Sundargarh but the whole of Odisha has adopted the game with open arms. I wish the players all the best for the quarterfinals and I am sure there’s a lot of exciting action left to be seen on the field.”
The tournament will look to scout talent that will represent Odisha at the next Hockey India National Championships in 2023.
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