Bhubaneswar: The 2024 Hockey Association of Odisha’s third edition of the Junior Men’s state championship kickstarted on Saturday at the Biju Patnaik Hockey Stadium and Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela. Over 30 teams, representing district units and affiliated academies, are participating in the tournament, which follows a single-elimination format over six days, with the final match set for 26 September.
In the opening game at the Birsa Munda Hockey stadium, Gangpur Hockey Association defeated Balasore 5-0 in the qualifying match, advancing to the next stage. The Day two of the tournament would observe 16 matches with the opening game at Biju Pattnaik Hockey Stadium between Rourkela Steel Plant and Kandhamal.
Speaking ahead of the tournament Dr. Dilip Tirkey, President, Hockey Association of Odisha said “ I am extremely happy to see the growing spirit of hockey in Odisha which is reflected in the large number of participants in this tournament . This Championship would serve a testament in identifying potential hockey talent and I wish all the teams the very best of luck.
