Senior Men's National Hockey C'ship: Haryana To Face Odisha In Final

Haryana will face Odisha in summit clash of 14th Hockey India Senior Men's National Championship after y beat ir respective opponents in semifinals here on Friday.

While Odisha defeated Manipur 4-2 in first semifinal, Haryana edged out Uttar Presh 3-2 in second last-four match on day 12 of competition.

two losing teams, Uttar Presh and Manipur, will compete for third place on Saturday. final between Haryana and Odisha will also be held on Saturday, after third-place play-off.

Haryana were off to a strong start, finding two goals in second quarter through Raman (17th minute) and Abhimanyu (20th). In third quarter, Rajinder Singh (38th) ded to tally to make it 3-0.

A late surge from Uttar Presh saw Arun Sahani (49th) and Manish Yav (53rd) score in fourth quarter. However, an equaliser remained elusive.

In first semi-final, Nilakanta Sharma (7th) gave Manipur le before Nilam Sanjeep Xess (13th) cut deficit for Odisha.

Shilanand Lakra (20th) gave Odisha le in second quarter before Ganendrajit Ningombam (25th) also found back of net to tie scoreline.

After a goal-less third quarter, Pras Kujur (52nd) and Sudeep Chirmako (52nd) scored in quick succession to complete victory for Odisha.