Bhubaneswar: The Hockey Association of Odisha State Senior Men Hockey Championships are being organized at KIIT University and Kalinga Stadium from September 12-17, 2022. Over 500 players from districts, academies, and institutions are participating in the championship. The teams are lined up in a knockout format with the eventual winner getting the title of Best Senior Men Hockey Team in Odisha.
The State Level Championship is being organized for the first time and has got record participation with 25 district teams and 5 academy and institution teams participating in the tournament. Odisha has been a pioneer in sports promotion and development by supporting hockey and investing significantly in developing sports infrastructure and talent pathways from grassroots to elite.
Speaking on the championship, President of Hockey Association of Odisha and Chairman Hockey Promotion Council, Dilip Tirkey said, “I am delighted with the response from all the districts and their love for hockey. It is the first time in history that so many teams have participated in a state tournament. I am sure competitions like this will continue to develop the game and generate interest amongst the young players to play hockey regularly.”
“I would like to thank the Department of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha for their support and guidance without which this tournament would not have been possible. I would also like to like Mr Achyutha Samanta, MP, Founder, KIIT University for being such a gracious host and for providing the best facilities for the comfortable stay of the players during the tournament. It is the support of such stakeholders that has enabled the Hockey Association of Odisha to conduct one of the best State Level tournaments in hockey to date.”
The tournament will look to scout talent that will represent Odisha at the next Hockey India National Championships in 2023. The semi-finals of the tournament are scheduled to be held on September 16, 2022, at 3 PM at KIIT University. SAIL Academy, East Coast Railway, and Sundargarh have already booked their spot in the semi-finals.
