CHENNAI, Nov 15: Manipur Hockey’s journey in the 14th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship came to an end on Friday as they were defeated 4-2 by the Hockey Association of Odisha in a thrilling semifinal at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium. Despite a strong start, Manipur was unable to hold off Odisha’s late surge and will now play Uttar Pradesh Hockey in the third-place playoff on Saturday.
Manipur team took an early lead in the match, with Nilakanta Sharma scoring in the 7th minute to give his team a 1-0 advantage. Odisha, however, responded quickly, with Nilam Sanjeep Xess equalizing in the 13th minute. The match remained evenly balanced, and in the second quarter, Odisha edged ahead with Shilanand Lakra’s goal in the 20th minute.
Manipur team fought back and leveled the score once again in the 25th minute through Ganendrajit Ningombam, but the third quarter ended without further goals, with both teams battling hard in a tense, physical encounter.
In the final quarter, Odisha capitalized on their opportunities, with Prasad Kujur (52’) and Sudeep Chirmako (52’) scoring within moments of each other to seal a 4-2 win. Despite a valiant effort, Manipur could not find the equalizer, and Odisha secured their place in the final.
Manipur’s focus will now shift to Saturday’s third-place playoff against Uttar Pradesh, as they aim to finish the tournament on a high note.
