Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Hockey Team made history today by winning the gold medal in the 14th Hockey India Senior Men’s National Championship. The team achieved this remarkable victory by defeating Team Haryana 5-1 in the final match held at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai. 
The match was watched by Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, Principal Secretary of the Odisha Sports and Youth Affairs Department Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma, and other officials through virtual means at the Kalinga Stadium. After the victory, Sports Minister Suraj congratulated Team Odisha’s Captain Deepsan Tirkey, stating that this win is a matter of pride and honour for Odisha.
Team Odisha’s Shilananda Lakra was the star of the match, scoring a hat-trick, while Rajat Akash Tirkey and Pratap Lakra scored one goal each. Shilananda Lakra was also declared the Player of the Match for his outstanding performance.
The team’s coach, Vijay Kumar Lakra, and Captain Dipsan Tirkey expressed their happiness and pride in the team’s success, attributing it to their hard work and dedication. Hockey Promotion Council CEO Deepankar Mohapatra also congratulated the team through video conference.
