Odisha Men’s Team Wins Hockey Championship

Women’s Team Takes Third Place in 2nd Hockey India Junior Men and Women East Zone Championship 2024

Bhubaneswar 21 July 2024: In yet another success for the Hockey Association of Odisha, the men’s team were crowned champions of the 2nd Hockey India Junior Men and Women East Zone Championship 2024 while the women’s team defeated Hockey Manipur in a thrilling encounter to secure the third place.

In the men’s final, Hockey Association of Odisha dominated throughout the encounter. Aryan Xess (25’)broke the deadlock in the second quarter with a field goal before Deonath Nanwar (27’) doubled Odisha’s tally soon after.  While Jharkhand threatened to score, Odisha’s defence remained resolute to ensure their victory.

The battle for third place in the Women’s category saw Hockey Association of Odisha beat Manipur Hockey 0 – 0 (4 – 3 SO) in shootouts after regulation time ended goalless. With 2 penalty conversions each, the penalty shootouts advanced to sudden death where Captain Drupati Naik and Supriya found the back of the net to confirm the victory for Hockey Association of Odisha.

“We are thrilled with the performances of both our men’s and women’s teams at the 2nd Hockey India Junior Men and Women East Zone Championship 2024. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players, coaches, and support staff,” said Shri Dilip Tirkey, President, Hockey Association of Odisha.

Lakshmi Narayana Pitti, the Head Coach for the Hockey Association of Odisha men’s team, remarked, “We are very proud of the result as we have been working very hard in the build up to this competition. We are grateful to the HPCO and the Government of Odisha for all their support.”