Playing to a plan, Odisha again asserted their supremacy over Punjab beating them 2-1 to win the gold and title of Boys Hockey competition of the Khelo India School Games at Dhyan Chand National stadium,New Delhi on Thursday.

In a match for bronze and third place Chandigarh routed Uttar Pradesh 5-1

Odisha who had beaten Punjab 3-0 in the league, dominated the final most of the time proving that their previous victory over their rivals was no fluke.

In fact the goal line do not do justice to the winners who should have won by much higher margin.

Odisha boys showed no sign of fatigue after having played a grueling semi final against Uttar Pradesh while Punjab who had whipped Chandigarh in the other semi final gave a worn out look.

The fast moving Odisha boys started attacking the Punjab citadel from the very start giving their rivals no time to settle down.

Surprisingly despite having upper hand for most of the time, Odisha could earn the break through only a minute before the interval with Sushil Dhanwar scoring off a penalty corner.

Punjab tried to make their presence felt by launching furious attacks as the second session opened but Odisha not only foiled their efforts but with a tearing counter attack increased the lead in the 41st minute through striker Sudeep Chirmako (2-0 ).

Taken by surprise by this goal, Punjab changed tactics and started making moves from the flanks.Odisha team beefed up their defence while in front Sdeep,Samir Ekka Sushant Toppo kept making intrusive moves.

Midway through this half Odisha again regained the control of mid field but this time the strikers turned out to be poor marksman. Just before the final whistle Punjab scored a consolation goal through Surdarshan Singh.

Odisha coach Sanji Kerketta was elated with his team’s performance “we played better hockey throughout. We played to a plan in the final.The boys were not overawed by the occasion”

“we are deserving winner”the coach said adding “I wish we should have won by higher margin.We had many chances for that”

Punjab coach Rupinder Singh said that his boys gave their best “But only one team wins so today Odisha won”

For the third place Chandigrah trounced Uttar Pradesh as they led 2-1 at half time.

For the winners Arshdeep Singh,Sahibjeet Singh (two each) and Harpanthpreet Singh (one ) scored. Ali Akhtar scored the only goal for the losers.