Jalandhar : Hockey Haryana and Hockey Association of Odisha emerged victorious in the semi-finals of the 15th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship 2025, setting the stage for an electrifying final clash. Meanwhile, Hockey Punjab will face Uttar Pradesh Hockey in the third-place playoff.
In the first semi-final, Hockey Haryana dominated Uttar Pradesh Hockey 3-0. Nitin was the star, scoring twice in the 3rd and 54th minutes, while Jeetpal added the third goal in the 47th minute, ensuring a comfortable win for Haryana.
The second semi-final between Hockey Association of Odisha and host Hockey Punjab was a thrilling contest. Odisha clinched a 3-2 victory, with Karan Lakra scoring a decisive goal in the 58th minute. Earlier, Pratap Toppo had given Odisha an early advantage with two quick goals in the 1st and 15th minutes. Hockey Punjab’s captain Gursewak Singh and Manmeet Singh Rai tried to keep the hosts in contention, scoring in the 12th and 44th minutes respectively, but Odisha held on for a dramatic win.
With these results, Hockey Haryana and Odisha Hockey will clash in the championship final, promising a high-voltage encounter for the junior men’s title. Hockey Punjab and Uttar Pradesh Hockey will battle it out for the third-place position, adding further excitement to the tournament.
The semi-finals showcased outstanding performances, tactical brilliance, and remarkable skill from young players, underlining the depth of talent in Indian hockey. Odisha Hockey’s victory reflects the state’s continued focus on nurturing junior talent, which has consistently contributed to national success.
Fans and hockey enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the final, where Haryana and Odisha will vie for the prestigious title, while the third-place playoff is expected to be equally competitive. The 15th edition of the Junior Men National Championship continues to highlight the rising stars of Indian hockey and the growing standard of junior-level competition across the country.
