Odisha Wins Maiden Gold in 14th Senior National Hockey Championship

Odisha emerged victorious in a spectacular fashion at the 14th Hockey India Senior National Championship, defeating two-time champion Haryana 5-1 in the final held at the SDAT-Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, Chennai. This historic win marked Odisha’s maiden gold medal in the tournament, with Shilanand Lakra stealing the show with an incredible hat-trick.

The Championship Final: Odisha vs Haryana

A Dominant Performance

Odisha showcased an exceptional display of skill, speed, and fitness to outplay Haryana, a team that blended experience and youth. The match, expected to be a tight contest, turned into a one-sided affair as Odisha outclassed its opponent with a combination of strategic play and relentless energy.

• Scorers for Odisha:
  • Rajat Akash Tirkey (11′)
  • Pratap Lakra (39′)
  • Shilanand Lakra (48′, 57′, 60′)
• Scorer for Haryana:
  • Joginder Singh (55′)

Odisha’s head coach, Bijay Kumar Lakra, attributed the victory to the team’s fitness and strategic execution, saying, “Today’s hockey is all about fitness. We will not leave a single player. We will run and block anyone who tries to run.”

Haryana’s Struggles in the Summit Clash

For Haryana, this was their second consecutive loss in the final, having been defeated by Punjab in the previous edition. Despite earning 10 penalty corners, Haryana failed to capitalize, thanks to Odisha’s stellar defense led by Kerobin Lakra, Amit Kumar Topno, and goalkeeper Sahil Kumar Nayak, who disrupted Haryana’s rhythm with decisive interventions.

Summary of Odisha’s Victory in 14th Senior National Hockey Championship