Bhubaneswar, May 17: In a landmark achievement, the Odisha women’s hockey team clinched their first-ever gold medal at the Khelo India Youth Games 2025, defeating Jharkhand 3-1 in a dramatic shootout. The victory marks a significant moment in the state’s sporting history and serves as an inspiration for the next generation of athletes.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi lauded the team’s outstanding performance, calling it a proud moment for the entire state. “Congratulations to the women’s hockey team of Odisha for clinching gold. You’ve made the state proud,” he wrote in a post on social media platform X.
Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik also extended his congratulations to the team, noting their potential to bring continued sporting glory to the state.
Odisha’s success at the Games extended beyond hockey. L Snigdha earned a bronze medal in the 2000m steeplechase event, showcasing her endurance and skill on the track.
In gymnastics, Azad Laskar from AM/NS India High Performance Centre secured a bronze medal in the uneven bars category,adding to the state’s growing medal tally.
Earlier in the tournament, the Odisha girls’ Kho-Kho team pulled off a stunning upset, defeating defending champions Maharashtra 34-31 in a closely contested match.
Though Maharashtra later avenged the loss in the boys’ final, Odisha’s spirited performance remained a highlight of the Games.
These accomplishments underscore Odisha’s growing reputation as a rising force in Indian sports, particularly in women’s disciplines. With consistent investment in grassroots training and high-performance centres, the state is steadily paving the way for young talents to shine on national and international platforms.
