Hockey Association of Odisha Announces Sub-Junior Men’s and Women’s Squads for 2024 East Zone Championship

Hockey Association of Odisha Announces Sub-Junior Men’s and Women’s Squads for 2024 East Zone Championship

The Hockey Association of Odisha has announced the selection of the 18-member Odisha Sub-Junior Men’s and Women’s Hockey teams, set to compete in the 2nd Hockey India Sub-Junior East Zone Championship 2024, to be held in Guwahati. The championship will take place from the 24th to the 31st of July, showcasing some of the finest hockey talent in the region.

Men’s Team

The Odisha men’s team is poised to face strong contenders, including Hockey Bengal, Assam Hockey, Manipur Hockey, Hockey Jharkhand, and Hockey Bihar. The squad will begin their campaign with an exciting match against Hockey Bengal, setting the tone for a thrilling tournament.

The goalkeeping duties will be handled by Subham Naik and Jagdeep Barla, while the defence line-up, comprising Dilip Hemrom, Selestin Ekka, Amandeep Dang, Lelson Minz, Rohit Ekka, and Nishant Kujur, is prepared to counter any offensive challenges.

The midfield, often considered the backbone of the team, will be controlled by the dynamic players Asit Majhi, Mithles Kerketta, Dibit Madki, Ranjit Kerketta, and Arman Soreng. The forward line, known for its energy and skill, includes Subodh Lakra, Aklesh Lakra, Mandeep Kerketta, Sanjeet Raj Lakra, and Salman Lakra, all expected to deliver stellar performances.

Chief Coach Praful Tirkey expressed his confidence in the team, stating, “Our players have undergone intensive training over the past month, gaining insight into each other's gameplay. The real-time match simulations have been momentous in assessing their readiness and identifying areas for improvement. The team is now confident as we head into the championships, and I am optimistic about our performance in Guwahati.”

The Hockey Association of Odisha extends its heartfelt wishes to the team and is confident that they will excel and bring pride to the state.

Women’s Team

The Odisha women’s team is set to encounter strong adversaries, including Hockey Bihar and Hockey Bengal. The squad will begin their campaign with an exciting match against Hockey Bengal, setting the tone for a thrilling tournament.

The goalkeeping duties will rest with Priyanshi Minz and Karishma Oram, while the defence line-up comprises Ashika Samad, Sudipa Baa, Nikita Barla, Amrita Tirkey, Sanjana Kujur, and Kiran Ekka.

The midfield section, often considered the heartbeat of the team, will be controlled by the dynamic players Anandini Kerketta, Rubina Baxla, Sonima Goud, Khusboo Kujur, and Gita Lakra. The forward line, famous for its dynamism and talent, includes Sanjana Kiro, Priyanka Minz, Eleena Burh, Rashmi Kujur, and Sweety Kujur, all expected to deliver stellar performances.

Speaking on the team selection, Chief Coach Sujit Lakra said, “Over the past few weeks, our players have engaged in intensive training, emphasizing both the technical and tactical aspects of the game while blending seamlessly into each other's gameplay. The real-time match simulations have played a crucial role in assessing their readiness and identifying areas for enhancement. Our team is determined for the championship, and I am confident about their performance.”

The Hockey Association of Odisha extends its heartfelt wishes to the team and is confident that they will excel and bring pride to the state.