Jharkhand's men's hockey team brought glory to the state by winning the gold medal at the Khelo India Youth Games 2025. In a thrilling penalty shootout, Jharkhand defeated Odisha 4-3 in the final match played on Sunday.
Ranchi: Jharkhand's men's hockey team showcased a stellar performance at the Khelo India Youth Games 2025, winning the gold medal and enhancing the state's reputation. In the final match held on Sunday, Jharkhand defeated Odisha 4-3 in a thrilling penalty shootout, claiming the title. The match remained a close contest until the very end, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. Despite the intense heat and a temperature of 39 degrees Celsius, a large number of spectators attended the stadium and cheered on the players.
The Thrill of the Match: First a Tie, Then Penalty Shootout Drama
The final match, played at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Raipur, began with both teams displaying an aggressive approach. Odisha took an early lead with a brilliant goal in the first quarter, but Jharkhand fought back in the second quarter, equalizing the score. Both teams made several attempts in the third and fourth quarters, but no further goals were scored.
The score remained 1-1 after the stipulated 90 minutes, leading to a penalty shootout to decide the winner. Jharkhand's goalkeeper, Saurabh Kumar, made two crucial saves, playing a pivotal role in securing the victory for his team.
Words from the Winning Captain
After the victory, Jharkhand team captain Shubham Murmu said, "This victory belongs not just to our team, but to the entire state of Jharkhand. We worked hard throughout the tournament, and today we reaped the rewards. The Odisha team was very b, but our strategy and unity led us to victory. The temperature in Raipur was over 39 degrees Celsius, but the presence of the spectators in the stadium and their enthusiasm gave the players new energy."
A large number of supporters from Jharkhand and Odisha came to cheer on their respective teams. With drums and traditional chants, the atmosphere in the stadium was festive.
Spectator Reactions
Arjun Kerketta, a spectator from Gumla district in Jharkhand present at the stadium, said, "We traveled from so far away just to support our team, and seeing this victory today fills us with pride." Sarojini Patro, a female spectator from Odisha, commented, "Our team may have lost, but the way both teams played was commendable. This is a victory for the strength and sportsmanship of the youth."
Jharkhand's Consistent Strong Performance
This marks Jharkhand's second consecutive hockey championship win at the Khelo India Youth Games. Last year, they reached the semi-finals but couldn't make it to the final. This time, the team not only reached the final but also secured the title. In the award ceremony following the match, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur presented trophies and cash prizes to the winning and runner-up teams.
He stated, "The Khelo India platform has become a means for young people from rural areas and small towns to reach the international level. This hockey rivalry between Jharkhand and Odisha is strengthening India's hockey tradition."
