New Delhi, 19 April (H.S.):
Hockey Punjab and the Hockey Association of Odisha have reaffirmed their domestic dominance by clinching bronze medals at the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior National Championship, with Punjab securing third in men's competition and Odisha in women's.
These podium finishes underscore both associations' sustained excellence, consistently producing medals and nurturing international-caliber talent across categories.
Hockey Punjab boasts 33 medals (14 gold, 6 silver, 13 bronze), led by men's teams with 26 honors, including five golds each in senior and junior levels. Their senior men triumphed at the 15th Hockey India Senior Men's Championship 2025, powered by top-scorer Jugraj Singh.
The state anchors India's senior team: captain Harmanpreet Singh, midfielder Hardik Singh, forwards Sukhjeet and Abhishek, goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, and defenders Jugraj and Jarmanpreet Singh.
Emerging stars Manmeet, Arshdeep, and Prince Deep Singh shone domestically before featuring in India's FIH Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 campaign.
Odisha amassed 26 medals (11 gold, 7 silver, 8 bronze), with men's teams claiming 19 (10 gold, 6 silver, 3 bronze) via junior and sub-junior prowess. Women secured 7 (1 gold, 1 silver, 5 bronze), including sub-junior silver and four bronzes signaling bright futures.
Fueled by world-class academies in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela, Odisha nurtures talents like defender Amit Rohidas, drag-flicker Amandeep Lakra, Shilanand Lakra, Sudeep Chimma, and Neelam Sanjip Jes. Women stars include rising Sunelita Toppo, Ajmina Kujur, and Sujata Kujur.
Hockey Punjab president Nitin Kohli hailed the legacy: Punjab's teams consistently podium, fueling national pride— we're committed to forging more Indian heroes. Odisha's Dr. Dilip Tirkey added: Our ecosystem polishes youth for global stages; we'll invest relentlessly.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
