Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi applauded the “remarkable achievement” of Odisha’s triumph in the Junior Men’s National hockey championship on Saturday.
Majhi, who returned to Bhubaneswar after completing a two-day investment outreach programme in Delhi-NCR, praised the fighting spirit of the Odisha boys who overcame heavyweights Punjab 6-4 in the semis two days ago and edged out Madhya Pradesh 2-1 in Saturday’s final.
“Heartiest congratulations to Team Odisha on a spectacular victory in the 16th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship. Odisha defeated Madhya Pradesh 2-1 in a thrilling final to emerge as champions. This remarkable achievement is a proud moment for Odisha and a testament to the talent, determination and fighting spirit of our young hockey players,” Majhi wrote in a post on X.
After Mandeep Kerketta gave Odisha a second-minute lead, Sohil Ali equalised for Madhya Pradesh in the 37th minute. However, Deepak Pradhan’s lovely deflection off a penalty corner in the 45th minute helped Odisha wrest the lead, which they held on successfully till the final hooter.
This was Odisha’s fifth National Junior hockey title. Only Punjab stand ahead of them, having claimed the trophy six times.
