NTHA Clinches Junior State Hockey Championship in Shootout

Thrilling final sees NTHA edge out Ranchi in penalty shootout at Jamshedpur tournament

The Naval Tata Hockey Academy team emerged victorious in a nail-biting finale against Ranchi at the Junior State Hockey Championship.

JAMSHEDPUR – A gripping shootout decided the winner of the Naval Tata Hockey Jharkhand Junior State Hockey Championship 2024 after a 3-3 draw in regulation time.

The final match, held at the Naval Tata Hockey Academy’s AstroTurf, showcased exceptional skill and determination from both sides.

NTHA and Ranchi battled to a 3-3 tie before the shootout drama unfolded.

Navin Kerketta earned the Player of the Match honors for his stellar performance.

In the third-place playoff, Simdega overcame Khunti 3-1, with Sundar Purti from Khunti named Player of the Match.

Tournament Structure and Participants

The championship featured eight teams divided into two pools:

All matches were hosted at the Naval Tata Hockey Academy in Jamshedpur.

Teams were accommodated at the JRD Sports Complex for the duration of the tournament.

Individual Accolades

The championship recognized outstanding individual performances:

1. Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Prabhat Samad (NTHA)

2. Emerging Player: Gledsan Bhengra (Khunti)

3. Player of the Tournament: Amrit Tirkey (Ranchi)

Notable Attendees

Mr. Mohan Ganta, Head HR at Tata Motors, and Mr. Rajat Singh, Town Administrator and Sports official, graced the event with their presence.

Representatives from Hockey Jharkhand were also in attendance to oversee the championship.

Final Match Scorers

NTHA’s goals came from:

– Deepak Soreng

– Md Jaeed Saifi

– Naveen Kerketta

Ranchi’s scorers included:

– Sandeep Dodray

– Rana Singh Munda (2 goals)

"This championship has showcased the incredible talent and competitive spirit of Jharkhand’s young hockey players," remarked a tournament official. "The final match, in particular, was a testament to the high level of skill and determination these athletes possess."