Bhubaneswar,swa news : The 5th Edition of the Odisha Naval Tata Hockey Grassroot League Championship 2025 came to a stirring close today at the iconic Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, marking the end of a five-day celebration of emerging hockey talents from across Odisha.
The Girls’ Category saw Lathikata Hockey Trainig Centre (HTC) emerge as champions after a thrilling 2–1 shootout victory over Gurundia Hockey Training Centre, following a 1–1 draw in regulation time. Bamra HTC secured the bronze medal with a narrow 1–0 win against Bargaon HTC.
In the Boys’ Category, Kuarmunda HTC claimed the championship title after edging past Nuagaon HTC in a hard-fought final with 5-3 score. Saunamara HTC clinched the bronze with a commanding 5–1 victory over Rajgangpur HTC. All the 4 teams are from Sundargargh district, the cradle of hockey in the state.
Organised by the Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High-Performance Centre (ONTHHPC) in collaboration with the Department of Sports & Youth Services (DSYS), Government of Odisha, the championship witnessed 256 young athletes from 16 finalist teams (8 boys’ and 8 girls’) compete in a high-energy culmination to one of the largest grassroots hockey leagues in India.
The tournament was graced by Shri Prabodh Tirkey, former captain of the Indian Hockey Team. Among the Guests of Honour were Shri Deepankar Mohapatra, Director of Sports & CEO of Hockey Promotion Council of Odisha; Shri Alok Kumar Pal, Director, Human Resources at Odisha Mining Corporation and renowned hockey personallties including Smt. Sunita Lakra (Olympian).
Shri Tirkey said, platforms like these will help to take Odisha hockey new heights as gives opprtunities to youngsters from interior parts of state. It shapes raw hockey talents of the country.
The final phase, held from July 8 to July 12, was the culmination of a state-wide qualifying process involving 67 teams across Chatrapur (Ganjam) and Bonai (Sundargarh), with 1018 players participating in the initial rounds.
Shri Rajiv Seth, Project Director, Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre (HPC), facilitated the championship.
Shri Sandeep Kumar Sethi, Deputy General Manager of Corporate Communication at Odisha Mining Corporation and Rudolf Wharton,High Performance Coach at ONTHHPC was also present had also joined.
Speaking on the occasion Shri Deepankar Mohapatra, Director of Sports & CEO of Hockey Promotion Council of Odisha said, ‘I congratulate all participants of this 5th tournament. It’s more than a competition—it’s a pathway for future hockey stars, from sub-junior to national level. With 34 centers across Odisha, we’re committed to nurturing top talent.
Speaking on the occasion Shri Rajiv Seth, Project Director, Odisha Naval Tata Hockey HPC said, ‘This 5th edition of our grassroots hockey league, held with the support of the Odisha Government, saw over 1,000 young players. Through our 34 centers, we ensure equal opportunity for boys and girls. Today’s 64 finalists reflect Odisha’s promising hockey future, and we remain committed to guiding them to the state and national levels.
As the championship curtain falls, the legacy continues—with renewed commitment from the Odisha Naval Tata Hockey HPC, Tata Steel, Tata Trusts, and the Government of Odisha to empower young athletes and raise the next generation of champions.
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