Coimbatore, August 8, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Hockey Association of Odisha were crowned champions of the 16th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship 2026 – Division A after defeating Hockey Madhya Pradesh 2-1 in a closely fought final in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, on Saturday.
Odisha made a flying start as Mandeep Kerketta put them ahead in the second minute. Madhya Pradesh responded with sustained pressure but found Odisha’s defence difficult to break down as the two teams battled for supremacy through the middle of the pitch.
The contest remained finely poised until Hockey Madhya Pradesh drew level through Sohil Ali in the 37th minute.
Odisha regained the advantage soon after, with captain Deepak Pradhan scoring in the 45th minute to put his side back in front.
Madhya Pradesh pushed hard for an equaliser during the closing stages, but Odisha remained disciplined at the back and successfully protected their lead until the final hooter to seal the championship.
Meanwhile, Hockey Punjab claimed the bronze medal after defeating Hockey Jharkhand 6-3 in the third-place playoff.
Punjab opened the scoring through Gurwinder Singh in the 11th minute before Jarman Singh, the team captain, struck twice in the 34th and 36th minutes. Ajaypal Singh scored in the 41st minute, while Charanjeet Singh added two more goals in the 52nd and 53rd minutes.
Jharkhand fought back through Patras Hassa, who completed a hat-trick with goals in the 33rd, 40th and 56th minutes. Punjab, however, maintained their attacking momentum to secure a 6-3 win and finish third.
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