Karnataka, Himachal Shine in Women’s Section as Andhra Pradesh and Odisha Dominate Men’s Field at Hockey Masters Cup
Day 3 of the Hockey India Masters Cup in Chennai delivered an electrifying mix of dominance, drama and raw sporting talent. With the tournament serving as a stage for both seasoned veterans and regional stars, teams across the country continued to stake their claim for national glory.
In the women’s section, Karnataka stormed to a stunning 12-0 win over Maharashtra. It was a complete dismantling from the first whistle, with Prema S. netting four goals and Manasa K.P. scoring a brilliant hat-trick. Usha Vinaykumar chipped in with a brace, while Krithika, Josephine Lore Sequeira and Neelamma K.A. also joined the scoresheet. Karnataka, a traditional powerhouse in women’s hockey, showcased their tactical superiority and goal-hungry mindset.
Himachal Pradesh too delivered a commanding performance with a 4-1 win over Kerala. Shalini Kanwar’s early strike set the tone, with Neeta Devi, Anjana Devi and Pushpa Bhatia ensuring Himachal stayed in control throughout. Kerala managed a solitary goal through Malaialagu, but it was too little, too late.
On the men’s side, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha emerged as teams to watch. Andhra Pradesh edged Kerala 4-3 in a thrilling encounter, with Manikyala Gajula Rao stealing the spotlight with a hat-trick. His goals in the 13th, 15th and 59th minutes were crucial in fending off Kerala’s late resurgence. Prasanna Gudavalli Kumar also scored for Andhra, while Binu C.P.’s brace and a goal from Sayo V.S. made it a gripping contest till the final whistle.
Odisha’s 5-2 demolition of Punjab showcased a brilliant mix of youth and experience. Anil Kullu scored twice, while team captain Lazarus Barla, Sunil Lakra and Rajat Kumar Minz added to the tally. Despite early goals from Punjab’s Dharam Pal Singh and Ram Saran, Odisha controlled the tempo and surged ahead with clinical finishes and structured defence.
What makes Odisha’s performance particularly striking is the depth of their grassroots system. Their players benefit from the state’s growing hockey infrastructure, including the Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre in Bhubaneswar. This foundation is starting to bear fruit not only in youth categories but also in senior and masters divisions.
The tournament, set to run until June 27, is heating up with each passing day. The women’s teams from Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh are making strong early statements, while Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have positioned themselves as frontrunners in the men’s segment. With more matches on the horizon, fans can expect tighter clashes, breakout performances, and perhaps a few surprises.
As the Masters Cup progresses, one thing is clear — state-level hockey in India is alive, fierce, and filled with untapped brilliance.
Discussion about this post