The glorious campaign of the Odisha U-18 Boys Football Team ended in a heartbreak at the 7th Khelo India Youth Games as they lost to Jharkhand 4-5 in penalty shootout (sudden death) after play in the regulation time of the highly competitive final match ended in 2-2 draw at Yamuna Bhagat Stadium in Begusarai, Bihar today.

Ronik Majhi scored both the goals for runners-up Odisha in the second half. Despite the narrow loss in the shootout, Odisha boys showcased resilience, skill and determination throughout the tournament. “Our boys worked very hard and beat stronger teams to reach the final where luck did not favour us. But we are happy with the silver medal and I am proud of our boys,’’ said chief coach Abani Mohanty.

The 22-member Odisha boys team won four matches in a row to set up the title clash against Jharkhand. They beat West Bengal 2-0, Meghalaya 2-0 and Chandigarh 1-0 to emerge Group-A toppers and qualify for the semifinals, Odisha mauled Mizoram 5-1.

Ronik Majhi and Bhenketeswar Oram were joint top scorers for Odisha, netting five goals each in the competition. Office Bearers and members of the Football Association of Odisha extended their heartfelt congratulations to the entire team and support staff for their outstanding performance throughout the tournament, and for bringing glory to the State.

ODISHA U-18 BOYS FOOTBALL TEAM: Goalkeepers: Ritesh Kumar Patra, Rajib Lochan Nayak, Nasiruddin Khan. Defenders: Pramod Barbiha, Indra Oram, Alok Kumar Das, Manish Bhoi, Prem Piyush Bagh, Sambhunath Majhi. Mid-fielders: Abhinash Kishan, Jagabandhu Santa, Suraj Kumar Nanda. Forwards: Rama Majhi, Nilesh Tigga, Bhenketeswar Oram, Shankha Shekhar Hembram, Akash Sahoo, Rakesh Behera, Ronik Majhi, Barial Tudu, Krishna Behera, Jitendra Meher.
Team Staff: Abani Mohanty (Chief Coach), Sk Manjoor (Assistant Coach), Dr Prabhupada Prasad (Physiotherapist).

ODISHA RESULTS:
6 May (League match): Odisha (Bhenketeswar Oram 35, 75) beat West Bengal 2-0.
8 May (League match): Odisha (Ronik Majhi 13, 47) beat Meghalaya 2-0.
10 May (League match): Odisha (Bhenketeswar Oram 34) beat Chandigarh 1-0.
12 May (Semifinal): Odisha (Ronik Majhi 27, Abinash Kisan 33, Shanka Shekhar Hembram 43, Bhenketeswar Oram 59, 82) beat Mizoram 5-1.
14 May (Final): Odisha (Ronik Majhi) drew with Jharkhand (?) 2-2. Shootout: Odisha lost to Jharkhand 4-5.
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PHOTO: Players, coaches and support staff of the Odisha boys football team pose with the runners-up trophy at the 7th Khelo India Youth Games in Begusarai on 14 May 2025.