Bhubaneswar: In a thrilling contest at the 95th MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup All-India Hockey Tournament, Odisha scripted an impressive 3-2 victory over the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE), Bhopal. Held at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Chennai, Odisha, featuring a squad primarily composed of young players, demonstrated not only skill but also the kind of effective and efficient gameplay that has propelled them to the top of their group.
Odisha’s Dominance in Pool-B
Odisha has been the standout team in this prestigious tournament so far, and their performance against NCOE, Bhopal, further solidified their claim as one of the most formidable sides in Pool-B. With seven points from three matches, Odisha is now best-positioned to advance to the semi-finals, showcasing their consistency and determination in every match.
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In their contest with NCOE, Odisha’s forwards capitalized on key opportunities, delivering when it mattered most. Although NCOE, Bhopal, initially took the lead through B. Sathish, Odisha quickly responded, keeping the pressure high throughout the match. NCOE fought hard, and their captain Md. Faraz’s goal in the third quarter gave them a brief upper hand, but Odisha's resilience paid off in the fourth quarter.
Masterful Comeback Secures Victory
Odisha's attacking display, especially in the fourth quarter, was a spectacle of modern hockey. Demonstrating superb dribbling skills, quick passes, and blinding speed, Odisha scored twice in the closing minutes to overturn NCOE's lead and clinch the match.
Satish Kangadi struck first for Odisha in the 27th minute to equalize after B. Sathish's goal, but it was Sudeep Minz (55th minute) and Prasad Kujjur (58th minute) who sealed the victory in the final quarter, leaving NCOE stunned.
Former Champion IOCL’s Ruthless Performance
In another Pool-B match, former champions Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) displayed an overwhelming dominance as they thrashed Central Secretariat 7-0. The former champions were ruthless from the start, with Gujinder Singh scoring just three minutes into the match. Sumit Kumar (13th minute), Talwinder Singh (21st and 46th minute), Md. Zaid Khan (36th and 41st minute), and Aarman Qureshi (49th minute) added to the score, securing a one-sided victory.
IOCL’s performance has reaffirmed their championship pedigree, and they remain one of the strongest contenders in this edition of the tournament.
Pool Standings and Future Prospects
As it stands, Odisha is leading the charge in Pool-B, with their well-coordinated and aggressive style of play setting them apart from other teams. The young squad has shown remarkable maturity and composure in tight situations, with standout players like Satish Kangadi, Sudeep Minz, and Prasad Kujjur playing pivotal roles in their success.
IOCL, after their dominating win, will also be in the reckoning for a spot in the semifinals, adding to the excitement as the tournament heads toward its knockout stages.
Results Summary
- Pool-A: BPCL 1 (Vishwas Girish 8) tied with Indian Army 1 (Deepal Kumar 8)
- Pool-B: Odisha 3 (Satish Kangadi 27, Sudeep Minz 55, Prasad Kujjur 58) beat NCOE (Bhopal) 2 (B. Sathish 21, Md. Faraz 32)
- IOCL 7 (Gujinder Singh 3, Sumit Kumar 13, Talwinder Singh 21 & 46, Md. Zaid Khan 36 & 41, Aarman Qureshi 49) beat Central Secretariat 0
The Road Ahead
As the tournament progresses, all eyes are on Odisha, who are emerging as serious contenders for the prestigious Murugappa Gold Cup. Their blend of young talent and tactical acumen has set them apart, and their ability to deliver under pressure will be key as they move into the knockout rounds. With each game, Odisha is proving that they are not just here to participate but to potentially lift the trophy.