Odisha won double gold at the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 by winning both the men’s and women’s hockey finals. The men’s team defeated Jharkhand 4-1 and the women’s team defeated Mizoram 1-0. This victory shows the growing influence of hockey in the tribal areas.
Raipur. In the Khelo India Tribal Games-2026, Odisha performed brilliantly and won the hockey gold medal in both men’s and women’s categories. Odisha teams showed their dominance in the final matches played at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in Raipur.
Men’s Hockey Final Result: Odisha beats Jharkhand 4-1
In the men’s final, Odisha won the gold medal by defeating Jharkhand 4-1. Jharkhand got the silver medal, while Chhattisgarh finished third by winning the bronze medal.
Women’s Hockey Final: Odisha beats Mizoram 1-0
Odisha also played brilliantly in the women’s category. The match against Mizoram in the final was very exciting, in which Odisha won 1-0. Jharkhand women’s team won the bronze medal and finished third.
Increasing influence of hockey in tribal areas
This double win by Odisha is not just a sporting achievement but shows how hockey is giving new identity and opportunities to the tribal areas. Players from Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and North-Eastern states are continuously moving forward and showing their talent.
From the villages to the field: Hockey is becoming an identity
Hockey has long been a part of the culture in tribal areas. Children start playing with simple tools and gradually hone their talents. Earlier there was a shortage of resources, but now the situation is changing and players are getting the right platform.
Changing picture due to sports infrastructure and training
Centers of Excellence, better facilities and grassroots programs in collaboration with the Union Sports Ministry and States have strengthened the sports environment. Due to this, players are getting professional training and better opportunities.
Former Olympian Ajit Lakra told the importance of grassroots development
1992 Barcelona Olympics player Ajit Lakra, who is the coach of Bilaspur Center of Excellence, said the entire system from grassroots to the senior level is getting stronger. He said that tribal players are now getting better training, due to which their talent is improving.
Manohar Topno’s statement: Getting new identity from Khelo India
1984 Los Angeles Olympics player Manohar Topno said that events like Khelo India Tribal Games are giving opportunities to the youth to move forward. He said that players from the tribal community are now moving towards representing the country.
Combination of hockey and modern technology
Now players are also getting facilities like sports science, physiotherapy and video analysis. Due to this, their performance is improving and they are able to progress at the professional level.
Increasing opportunities for women players
Hockey India member Asrita Lakra said that hockey is naturally present in the children of these areas. Due to better facilities and platforms, now women players are also reaching the national level.
Tribal Hockey Talent: Now champions and future stars are being made
Now tribal players are not limited to just participating, but they are becoming champions and on their way to becoming future international stars. This victory of Odisha is a sign of a big change, where villages are also becoming centers of excellence.