Bhubaneswar, November 8, 2025: The curtains came down on the 4th U-14 Boys Odisha Naval Tata Hockey Grassroot Tournament 2025 with an electrifying closing day filled with skill, spirit, and sportsmanship.
The defending champions, Nuagaon HTC (Hockey Training Centre), once again demonstrated their championship spirit, making a stunning comeback from 2–1 down to defeat Gurundia HTC by 3–2 in a high-octane final, retaining their Gold Medal title. Gurundia HTC earned the Silver Medal for their exceptional performance throughout the tournament.
The Bronze Medal match between Lathikata HTC and Subdega HTC ended in a tense 2–2 draw at full time. The game proceeded to a penalty shootout where Lathikata HTC held their nerve to win 3–2, claiming the third spot in the tournament.
In the Final Match, Nuagaon HTC showcased exceptional teamwork and resilience to edge past a determined Gurundia HTC side 3–2, lifting the championship trophy and reaffirming their legacy as one of the tournament’s most consistent and formidable teams. The runner-up title and Silver Medal went to Gurundia HTC after an impressive campaign throughout the tournament.
The Grand Finale began with the teams lined up for the National Anthem, filling the Birsa Munda Hockey stadium with patriotic fervor before the action commenced. The closing ceremony was graced by Hon’ble Bhabani Shankar Bhoi (Deputy Speaker, Odisha Assembly) as the Chief Guest and several distinguished dignitaries, including, Purnima Kerketta, RITES (Rail India Technical and Economic Service, Independent Director, Malaya Mohapatra (Social Worker) and Sudipta Kumar Nayak, Deputy Director Sports (Rourkela), who congratulated and gave awards to the young athletes and appreciated their passion and discipline.
The tournament, which began on October 29, 2025, featured some of the finest grassroots hockey talent across Odisha, exemplifying the vision of the Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre (ONTHHPC) to nurture the next generation of hockey stars from the grassroots level.
As the 2025 edition concludes, the Odisha Naval Tata Hockey initiative continues to stand as a beacon for youth sports development, celebrating both the competitive spirit and community values that define Indian hockey.
It’s because of the patronage of the Department of Sports & Youth Services, Government of Odisha, and their continued support and commitment to developing hockey at the grassroots level that these kinds of tournaments are being organised successfully.
