Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu | 8 August 2026: Hockey Association of Odisha were crowned champions of the 16th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship 2026 – Division ‘A’ after edging Hockey Madhya Pradesh 2-1 in an exciting final in Coimbatore on Saturday.
The final delivered a gripping contest between two determined sides, but Odisha held their nerve when it mattered most. An early strike, a determined fightback from Madhya Pradesh and a decisive goal from Odisha’s captain ultimately shaped the championship battle.
Odisha Strike Early
Odisha wasted no time in making their presence felt. Mandeep Kerketta opened the scoring in just the second minute, giving his side an early 1-0 advantage and immediately putting Madhya Pradesh under pressure.
Madhya Pradesh responded strongly, creating opportunities as they looked to restore parity. Odisha, however, stood firm defensively, refusing to allow their opponents an easy route back into the match.
The game remained tightly contested, with both teams battling for control in midfield while searching for openings inside the attacking circle.
Madhya Pradesh Fight Back
The pressure eventually paid off for Madhya Pradesh in the 37th minute, when Sohil Ali found the back of the net to bring the match level at 1-1.
The equaliser set up a thrilling final quarter, with neither side willing to give away control of the championship decider.
But Odisha responded with renewed intensity.
Captain Deepak Pradhan Delivers
With the title hanging in the balance, Odisha regained their lead through their captain Deepak Pradhan, who scored in the 45th minute to make it 2-1.
The goal proved decisive.
Madhya Pradesh pushed forward in the closing stages, desperately searching for another equaliser and a route back into the championship contest. Odisha, though, maintained their shape and defended resolutely.
Despite the late pressure, Odisha protected their 2-1 advantage until the final hooter.
The result confirmed Hockey Association of Odisha as champions of the 16th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship 2026 – Division ‘A’.
Final Score
Hockey Association of Odisha 2-1 Hockey Madhya Pradesh
Odisha: Mandeep Kerketta (2′), Deepak Pradhan (45′)
Madhya Pradesh: Sohil Ali (37′)
Punjab Secure Bronze in Nine-Goal Contest
In the third-place match, Hockey Punjab produced an impressive attacking display to defeat Hockey Jharkhand 6-3 and secure the bronze medal.
Punjab started strongly, with Gurwinder Singh opening the scoring in the 11th minute.
Captain Jarman Singh then took centre stage, scoring twice in quick succession in the 34th and 36th minutes.
Punjab continued to find the target, with Ajaypal Singh adding another goal in the 41st minute. Charanjeet Singh then struck twice in the 52nd and 53rd minutes, completing Punjab’s six-goal tally.
Jharkhand, however, fought until the final whistle.
Patras Hassa emerged as their standout attacking threat, completing a hat-trick with goals in the 33rd, 40th and 56th minutes.
But Punjab’s attacking efficiency ultimately proved decisive. They secured a convincing 6-3 victory to finish third and claim the bronze medal.
Third-Place Match Score
Hockey Punjab 6-3 Hockey Jharkhand
Punjab: Gurwinder Singh (11′), Jarman Singh (34′, 36′), Ajaypal Singh (41′), Charanjeet Singh (52′, 53′)
Jharkhand: Patras Hassa (33′, 40′, 56′)
Odisha Add Another Chapter to Hockey Legacy
The championship victory further underlines Odisha’s deep connection with hockey and its growing reputation as one of the sport’s major centres in India.
Over the years, Odisha has hosted several major international hockey events, including the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018, the FIH Men’s Series Finals Bhubaneswar Odisha, FIH Olympic Qualifiers Odisha, the FIH Hockey Pro League 2020-21, the Champions Trophy 2014, the Odisha Men’s Hockey World League Final Bhubaneswar 2017 and the FIH Men’s Hockey Junior World Cup in 2021.
The state also hosted the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023, along with the Rourkela and Bhubaneswar legs of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2022/23 and 2023/24.
Odisha’s commitment to the sport has extended beyond hosting major tournaments. The state is sponsoring the Indian Hockey Teams until 2033, with the aim of helping restore Indian hockey’s glory on the global stage.
The state’s franchise, Kalinga Lancers, also won the Hockey India League in 2017.
Now, with the Hockey Association of Odisha lifting the 2026 Junior Men National Championship – Division ‘A’, another generation has added its name to Odisha’s growing hockey story.
Hockey Punjab Take Third
With their 6-3 victory over Jharkhand, Hockey Punjab completed the podium, while Hockey Jharkhand finished fourth.
The tournament concluded with Odisha at the top, Madhya Pradesh as runners-up and Punjab securing the bronze medal after an action-packed final day in Coimbatore.
Final Standings
Champions: Hockey Association of Odisha
Runners-up: Hockey Madhya Pradesh
Third: Hockey Punjab
Fourth: Hockey Jharkhand
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