Bhubaneswar: Sundargarh emerged champion by defeating East Coast railway by 4-1 goals in the Senior Men’s category of the third edition of the Hockey Association of Odisha State Championship 2024 at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela on Sunday, While Gangpur Hockey Association beat Deograh by 4-2 goals to clinch bronze.
The champion Sundargarh received Rs30,000 for claiming the title, while East Coast Railway was presented with Rs20,000 for finishing second and Ganpur Hockey Association received Rs10,000 for clinching third.
Additionally, best performers of the tournament were also lauded with cash awards of Rs8000 each. Biju Ekka (Sports Hostel) was named player of the tournament, while Sunil Toppo (RLY) received best forward, Surin Sanjay Kumar (Deogarh) was recognised as the top midfielder, Kerobin lakra (Gangpur) was awarded the best defender, and SA Dilip Kumar(Sundargarh) was honoured as Best Goalkeeper.
The event was graced by dignitaries including, Soumya Ranjan Gochayat (Asst Forest Rkl), Sudha Pradhan (Superintendent RGH), Sudipta Nayak (OAS, Director of Sports), Sanatan Sahu (Secretary HAO), Kalu Charan Chowdhury (OSD , Sports Hostel Rourkela), BJ Kariappa (Director Coaching Hockey), Bharat CH Sahu and Smt Lucela Ekka.
