Hockey Association of Odisha (HAO) bowed out from the league stage of the 12th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship despite annihilating Assam Hockey 17-0 in their third and last Pool-H match in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh today.
HAO finished second in the pool with two wins, one draw and a total of seven points. Hockey Haryana emerged toppers of this group to qualify for the quarterfinals. Hockey Haryana also finished with seven points, but edged out HAO on goal difference (40 against 27) to advance to the knock-out stage.
Amandeep Lakra was the top scorer in the HOA win against Assam, converting nine penalty corners. HAO got off to a sizzling start in the championship, trouncing Goans Hockey 10-0 in their opening match earlier on April 7. Leading from the front, HAO captain Sudeep Chirmako scored four goals in the lop-sided match.
But a 4-4 draw in the seccond match against Hockey Haryana on April 9 cost HAO dear. Amandeep Lakra scored all four goals for the Odisha team, converting penalty corners. Amandeep was the top scorer for the Odisha team with a total of 15 goal to his name in three matches.
TEAM HOCKEY ASSOCIATION OF ODISHA: Dilip Kumar Sa (GK), Prajukt Nag, Sunil Jojo, Amandeep Lakra, Biju Ekka, Prakash Barla, Akash Kujur, Stanli Victor Minz, Sudeep Chirmako (Captain), Rajin Kandulna, Akash Ekka, Matiyas Dang, Cyril Lugun, Deepak John Kerketta, Mangra Bhengra, G Tejeswar Rao (GK), Anugrah Kujur, Shakti Kujur.
Team Staff: Edgar Joseph Mascarenhas (Head Coach), Praful Tirkey (Manager), Nigam Prasad Dash (Physiotherapist), Sagayaraj (Physical Trainer).
ODISHA RESULTS:
7 April 2022: Hockey Association of Odisha (Prajukt Nag 9-FG, Rajin Kandulna 31-FG, Sudeep Chirmako 38-FG, 52-FG, 55-FG, 57-PS; Amandeep Lakra 45-PC, 49-PC; Anugrah Kujur 47-FG, Matiyas Dang 59-FG) beat Goans Hockey 10-0.
9 April 2022: Hockey Association of Odisha (Amandeep Lakra 8-PC, 15-PC, 28-PC, 55-PC) drew with Hockey Haryana (Pankaj 1-FG, 33-FG; Deepak 19-PC, 56-PC) 4-4.
13 April 2022: Hockey Association of Odisha (Amandeep Lakra 12-PC, 23-PC, 24-PC, 24-PC, 38-PC, 46-PC, 47-PC, 49-PC, 51-PC; Shakti Kujur 14-FG, Sudeep Chirmako 16-FG, 20-FG; Mangra Bhengra 21-FG, Prakash Barla 22-FG, Matiyas Dang 28-FG, Prajukt Nag 53-FG, Anurag Kujur 60-FG) beat Assam Hockey 17-0.
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PHOTO: Players of Hockey Association of Odisha Senior Men Team at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on 1st April 2022.