Sr Men’s National Hockey: Odisha overcomes Haryana to secure maiden title

Chennai: Hockey Association of Odisha emerged victorious over defending champions Hockey Haryana 5-1 in a thrilling final to claim the championship title at the 14th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium here on Saturday. This is Odisha’s maiden title triumph in the Senior National Men’s Hockey Championship. It had not won the title in the pre-Hockey India times too with the likes of Railways, Punjab, Railways, and Services dominating the competition. Meanwhile, in the clash for third place, Uttar Pradesh Hockey defeated Manipur Hockey, rounding off an intense final day of competition. In a final in which they had the upper hand, the Hockey Association of Odisha overcame former champions Hockey Haryana for a comprehensive victory. Rajat Akash Tirkey (11’) seized an early opportunity to give Hockey Association of Odisha the lead, scoring from close range after a clever move from Sudeep Chirmako inside the box. Pratap Lakra (39) then doubled the lead in the third quarter, converting a Penalty Stroke. In the fourth quarter, Shilanand Lakra (48’, 57’, 60’) scored three goals in the span of 12 minutes to ensure victory for the Hockey Association of Odisha. Meanwhile, Joginder Singh (55’) scored a consolatory goal for Hockey Haryana in the final minutes of the game. In the clash for third place, Uttar Pradesh Hockey defeated Manipur Hockey 2-1. Uttar Pradesh Hockey’s captain, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay (6’) broke the deadlock in the first quarter. A precise long ball from Rajkumar Pal found Iktidar Ishrat who squared it to Lalit Kumar Upadhyay for a quick tap-in. Deep in the third quarter, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh (43′) found the equaliser for Manipur Hockey as a result of a Penalty Corner. In the final quarter, Uttar Pradesh Hockey reclaimed the lead when Rajkumar Pal (54’) burst through the right flank with silky stickwork and found the back of the net to secure the victory for Uttar Pradesh. –IANS