Odisha captain Deepak Pradhan scored the winning goal, securing the gold medal for his team.
Odisha Crowned Junior Hockey Nationals 2026 Title: Odisha Crowned Champions of the Hockey India Junior Men National Championship 2026. The Odisha team emerged as champions after a thrilling 2–1 victory over Madhya Pradesh in the final concluded in Coimbatore.
Hockey Association of Odisha emerged champions of the 16th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship 2026 – Division ‘A’ after defeating Hockey Madhya Pradesh 2-1 in the final in Coimbatore. Mandeep Kerketta gave Odisha an early lead in the second minute, but Sohil Ali equalised for Madhya Pradesh in the 37th minute. Odisha captain Deepak Pradhan scored the decisive goal in the 45th minute to secure the title. In the third-place match, Hockey Punjab defeated Hockey Jharkhand 6-3, with Jarman Singh scoring twice and Patras Hassa netting a hat-trick for the losing side.
In the bronze medal playoff, Hockey Punjab defeated Hockey Jharkhand 6–3. Punjab’s Gurwinder Singh, Jarman Singh, Charanjeet Singh, and Ajaypal Singh all contributed goals, while Jharkhand’s Patras Hassa impressed with a hat-trick despite his side’s loss.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi congratulated Team Odisha on their spectacular victory in a post on ‘X’, ‘Heartiest congratulations to Team Odisha on a spectacular victory… This remarkable achievement is a proud moment for Odisha and a testament to the talent, determination and fighting spirit of our young hockey players.’
The championship showcased India’s rising hockey talent, with Odisha’s disciplined play and Punjab’s attacking flair standing out as highlights of the tournament.
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