16-Nov-2024 0
A dream came true after a long wait as Odisha Senior Men Hockey team emerged National champions today. Riding on an invaluable hat-trick by star striker Shilanand Lakra, Odisha bagged their maiden gold medal, hammering Haryana 5-1 in the final of the 14th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship at Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai.
Despite being a hockey loving State that produced many Olympians and international medalists, Odisha neven won the gold medal in the history of the Senior Men National Championship. The missing gold had become an embarrassment for the State that projected itself as the hockey capital of India by hosting a number of international tournaments, including FIH Mens World Cup twice, and funding the National teams as official sponsors.
With the emphatic victory in the final today, Odisha finally got the monkey off its back. The triumph assumed added significance as it was accomplished with a team of India discards, junior internationals and lesser-known players, guided by native coach Bijay Kumar Lakra.
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