The under-21 Odisha men’s hockey team scored an emphatic win over Haryana in the final match of the Khelo India Youth Games, becoming the rightful claimants of the gold medal.
With this win, Odisha reasserted their long-standing dominance in the sport. The game was deadlocked at 2-2 at full-time and Odisha displayed brilliant determination during the penalties, to secure a 4-2 win against the opponents. The team had its combinations ticking all the right boxes from the very start of the tournament.
Odisha has historically produced hockey players who make it to the national team, many of them captaining their side. The state also recently hosted the International Hockey World Cup 2018, in addition to playing hosts for the 2017 Hockey World League finals, and the 2014 Champion’s trophy.
With this win in Khelo India, Odisha has successfully retained its position in Hockey with pride and has made it clear that the team does not buckle under the pressure of being the tournament favourite. This victory adds another feather in Odisha’s already sparkling cap.