The 16th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship 2026 (Division A) concluded in Coimbatore with Odisha emerging as champions after a thrilling 2–1 victory over Madhya Pradesh in the final.
Odisha struck early through Mandeep Kerketta in the 2nd minute, but Madhya Pradesh equalised via Sohil Ali in the 37th minute.
The decisive moment came in the 45th minute when Odisha captain Deepak Pradhan scored the winning goal, securing the gold medal for his team.
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.
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.
Odisha’s 2–1 Victory Earns CM’s Praise
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi congratulated Team Odisha on their spectacular victory.
Taking to X, the CM wrote: “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.”
