Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Hockey Team etched its name in history by winning the gold medal at the 14th Hockey India Senior Men’s National Championship. The team delivered a stellar performance, defeating Team Haryana 5-1 in the final held at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai.
Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, along with Principal Secretary of the Odisha Sports and Youth Affairs Department Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma and other officials, witnessed the thrilling match virtually from the Kalinga Stadium. Following the victory, Minister Suraj lauded Team Odisha’s Captain, Deepsan Tirkey, calling the achievement a moment of pride and honour for the state.
The match’s standout performer, Shilananda Lakra, stole the show with a hat-trick, while teammates Rajat Akash Tirkey and Pratap Lakra added one goal each to the scoreboard. Lakra’s exceptional play earned him the title of Player of the Match.
Coach Vijay Kumar Lakra and Captain Deepsan Tirkey expressed immense pride and joy in the team’s achievement, attributing their success to relentless effort and teamwork. Hockey Promotion Council CEO Deepankar Mohapatra also extended his congratulations to the team via video conference, highlighting their dedication and contribution to the sport.