Chennai, Nov 17 (Agency) Hockey Association of Odisha annexed the Men’s Senior Nationals Hockey title with a thumping 5-1 win over Hockey Haryana in the final here on Saturday evening. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh finished third defeating Manipur in the play off between losing semifinalists. It was a match dominated by Odisha, which led right from start, with swift attacks mounting pressure on their rivals.
The sluice gates were opened as early as in the 11th minute when Rajat Akash Tirkey seized a fine chance to give Odisha the lead, scoring from close range after a clever move from Sudeep Chirmako. Pratap Lakra (39) then doubled the lead in the third quarter, converting a Penalty Stroke. Compounding the woes of Haryana, Odisha sealed the fate slotting in three goals in a 12-minute blitz in the fourth quarter, thanks to a hat trick by Shilanand Lakra, who struck in 48th, 57th and 60th minutes. Joginder Singh (55th) scored a consolatory goal for Haryana in the final minutes of the game. In the clash for Third place, Uttar Pradesh defeated Manipur Hockey, 2-1.