Touted as hockey powerhouse of India, Odisha suffered a setback as the State team crashed out of the 15th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship (Division-A), suffering a 4-1 drubbing in the quarterfinals against Haryana at the District Sports Authority Stadium in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh today.

Earlier, Odisha qualified for the quarterfinals by finishing second in Pool-D league with one win and one loss. Led by Puja Ramchhuria, the 18-member Odisha started campaign with a 3-1 win against host Andhra Pradesh 3-1, but lost to Maharashtra 1-2.

ODISHA JUNIOR WOMEN HOCKEY TEAM: Hodam Pabitra Devi (GK), Puja Ramchhuria (Captain), Shibani Lugun, Premsila Bage, Amisha Ekka, Surekha Bahala, Sonali Ekka, Priyanka Kujur, Dipika Barwa, Doli Bhoi, Rambha Kujur, Janhabi Bada, Ahalya Lakra, Ajita Ekka, Sonia Minz, Drupati Naik, Karuna Minz, Amisha Kullu (GK).
Team Staff: Neha Singh (Manager), Joyappa Bollepanda Kariappa (Coach), Lopamudra Maharaj (Physiotherapist).

ODISHA RESULTS:

5 August 2025 (Group League): Hockey Association of Odisha (Surekha Bahala 13-FG, Karuna Minz 21-FG, Drupati Naik 56-FG) beat Hockey Andhra Pradesh (Neharika Toppo 52-PC) 3-1. PoM: Surekha Bahala.

6 August 2025 (Group League): Hockey Association of Odisha (Dipika Barwa 54-FG) lost to Hockey Maharashtra (Tanushree Kadu 16-FG, Diksha Shinde 27-FG) 1-2.

9 August 2025 (Quarter-finals): Hockey Association of Odisha (Amisha Ekka 47-FG) lost to Hockey Haryana (Kajal 2-FG, Supriya 27-PS, Shashi Khasa 36-FG, Saavi 60-FG) 1-4.
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PHOTO: Players and support staff of Odisha team pose with Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar before leaving for the 15th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship.