National Games 2025: Haryana and Karnataka secure Gold in women's and men's Hockey

Haryana claimed the women's hockey gold medal at the National Games, avenging their previous edition's defeat by overcoming Madhya Pradesh 4-1 in the final on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Karnataka emerged victorious in the men's category after a hard-fought 3-2 win against Uttar Pradesh.

Madhya Pradesh took an early lead in the women's final when Chavan Aishwarya converted a penalty corner in the fifth minute. However, Haryana responded strongly, netting four goals to seal the title.

Mahima Choudhary (37th minute), Ishika (45th, 50th), and Monika (55th) found the back of the net for Haryana at the Vandana Katariya Hockey Stadium, marking a dominant performance on the concluding day of the competition.

In the bronze medal match, Jharkhand edged out Maharashtra 2-1. Goals from Pramodni Lakra (12th) and captain Albela Rani Toppo (17th) ensured victory for Jharkhand, while Tanushree Dinesh Kadu (39th) pulled one back for Maharashtra.

This victory was particularly sweet for Haryana, who had suffered a heartbreaking loss to Madhya Pradesh in the 2023 National Games final, where they were defeated 3-0 in a penalty shootout after a goalless regulation time.

In the men’s category, Karnataka secured a thrilling 3-2 win over Uttar Pradesh to claim gold. UP took the lead in the opening minute through a penalty corner conversion by Faraz Khan. Karnataka quickly responded with an equalizer from Shamanth C in the eighth minute.

Bharath Mahalingappa Kurtakoti (18th) and Abharan Sudev (39th) further strengthened Karnataka’s lead with penalty corner goals. Though Uttar Pradesh’s Sharda Nand Tiwari (45th) reduced the deficit with another penalty corner strike, it wasn't enough to deny Karnataka the top spot.

Maharashtra clinched the bronze medal in the men’s event with a narrow 1-0 victory over Punjab, thanks to a decisive field goal by Venkatesh Kenche in the 36th minute.