9th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship 2019 (A Division) 

~ Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy will play against Hockey Haryana in the Bronze Medal match ~

 Aurangabad (Maharashtra): Hockey Odisha and Uttar Pradesh Hockey marched into the Final of the 9th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship 2019 (A Division) after their stupendous Semi Finals performance here at the Sports Authority of India Campus on Wednesday. 

 In the first Semi Final of the day, Hockey Odisha got the better of Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy as they won 4-2 in a pulsating shootout after the two teams drew 0-0 at regulation time. For the winners, it was Prakash Dhir, Laban Lugun, Sunit Lakra and Skipper Krishna Tirkey who scored in the shootout that helped Hockey Odisha clinch the Final berth. On the other hand, Hockey Odisha Goalkeeper Dhanraj Hemam did well to keep the Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy strikers at bay. Only Haider Ali and Sundram Rajawat breached his defence to score in the shootout. His fine goalkeeping skills ensured his team secured a 4-2 win. 

 In the Second Semi Final, Uttar Pradesh Hockey dominated the proceedings as they beat Hockey Haryana by a convincing margin of 4-0. Shivam Ananad starred in the match as he scored a fantastic hat-trick of goals in the 48th, 52nd and 58th minute that propelled his team to a fine win. Ajay Yadav had scored the opening goal for the winners in the 26th minute which put Hockey Haryana on the back-foot early in the game.  The winners ensured their defence was top-notch which rarely allowed Hockey Haryana forwards to penetrate into their striking circle.  

 On Thursday, Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy will play against Hockey Haryana in the Bronze Medal match at 1300 hours while the Final between Hockey Odisha and Uttar Pradesh Hockey will take place at 1500 hours.