Sr Men's Hockey Nationals: M.P., Manipur, Punjab, U.P. Advance to Semifinals
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Synopsis
In the 15th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2025 held in Jhansi, Hockey Madhya Pradesh, Manipur Hockey, Hockey Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh Hockey claimed victory in their quarterfinal matches, progressing to the semifinals of this prestigious tournament in Uttar Pradesh.
Key Takeaways
- Hockey Madhya Pradesh emerged victorious over Hockey Maharashtra in a shootout.
- Manipur Hockey secured a win against Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu after a goalless draw.
- Hockey Punjab defeated Hockey Haryana in a close match.
- Uttar Pradesh Hockey came back to win against Hockey Karnataka.
- Four teams have advanced to the semifinals of the championship.
Jhansi, April 12 (NationPress) Hockey Madhya Pradesh, Manipur Hockey, Hockey Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh Hockey triumphed in their quarterfinal encounters during the 15th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2025, advancing to the semifinals of this esteemed competition hosted in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh.
In the opening match, after a hard-fought 1-1 stalemate through four quarters, Hockey Madhya Pradesh secured a 4-2 victory over Hockey Maharashtra in the shootout, as the national championship progressed towards its critical stages. Pratap Lakra (6’) scored from a penalty corner, giving Hockey Madhya Pradesh an early advantage. Just three minutes later, Aakib Rahim (9’) leveled the score for Hockey Maharashtra with a field goal.
In the shootout, Sundram Singh Rajawat, Shreyas Dhupe, Ali Ahmad, and Pratap Lakra found the back of the net for Hockey Madhya Pradesh. Devindar Walmiki and Venkatesh Kenche were the only scorers for Hockey Maharashtra, while Sanjay B., the goalkeeper for Madhya Pradesh, made key saves to secure the win.
The second quarterfinal match saw defenses dominate as Manipur Hockey and Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu ended in a goalless draw, leading to a shootout which Manipur Hockey won 4-1. Manipur Hockey secured six penalty corners, while Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu managed four, but neither team could score in regulation. In the shootout, Nilakanta Sharma, Waribam Nirajkumar Singh, Kothajit Singh, and Laishram Dipu Singh converted for Manipur Hockey.
Ankit Malik, the goalkeeper for Manipur Hockey, showcased outstanding performance with two crucial saves. Karthi Selvam was the sole scorer for Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu during the shootout.
In the third match, Hockey Punjab overcame Hockey Haryana with a score of 3-2, securing their spot in the semifinals. Araijeet Singh Hundal (15’) netted the only goal of the first half, giving Hockey Punjab the lead.
Sanjay (32’) equalized for Hockey Haryana, but Hockey Punjab quickly responded with two goals from Jugraj Singh (33’) and Pardeep Singh (34’), regaining the lead. Kuldeep (56’) scored in the final minutes, but Hockey Punjab held on for the victory.
The final quarterfinal match saw Uttar Pradesh Hockey triumph over Hockey Karnataka with a score of 3-1. Rahul C.J (24') opened the scoring for Hockey Karnataka in the second quarter, but Uttar Pradesh Hockey made a strong comeback. Manish Yadav (45') converted a penalty corner to equalize in the third quarter.
They followed up with two fourth-quarter goals from Pawan Rajbhar (52') and Sharda Nand Tiwari (59') to secure their place in the semifinals.
