Bhubaneswar, 27th May 2026:
The Grand Final of the “2nd Michael Kindo Memorial Championship Trophy 2026 – All India Women’s Hockey Championship” concluded successfully today at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, marking the culmination of an exciting and competitive tournament that celebrated women’s hockey at the national level.
Organised by the Bhubaneswar Hockey Club Trust in association with the Hockey Association of Odisha, the championship paid tribute to legendary Olympian Michael Kindo while providing a platform for emerging women hockey players from across the country.
The final match was graced by several eminent dignitaries and distinguished guests including Dilip Tirkey, President, Hockey India; Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Commissioner-cum-Secretary; Bijaya Kumar Swain, Additional Secretary to Government & CEO, HPCO; Rakesh Choudhary, Commandant, CISF; Olympians Deep Grace Ekka, William Xalxo and Lazrus Barla; International Hockey Players Dipsan Tirkey and Jhilli Dalabehera; and Nishan Jyoti Mohanty, International Hockey Technical Official.
Also present on the occasion were Capt. Ratikanta Nayak, Chairman, Bhubaneswar Hockey Club Trust; Biswabijaya Sahoo, President, Bhubaneswar Hockey Club Trust; Ranjan Kumar Das, Secretary, Bhubaneswar Hockey Club Trust; and Sanatan Sahoo, General Secretary, Hockey Association of Odisha.
The championship witnessed high-quality performances throughout, culminating in a thrilling final encounter between South Eastern Railway and SAI Kolkata.
The Prize Distribution Ceremony was conducted in a grand manner, where the dignitaries presented trophies and medals to the winning and runner-up teams.
Individual Awards:
- Best Goalkeeper – Sonali Minz (SER)
- Best Defender – Kirti (CISF)
- Best Midfielder – Shapna Bhengra (SAI Kolkata)
- Best Forward – Sanjan Kiro (Sundargarh Team)
- Player of the Tournament – Albelarani Toppo(South Eastern Railway)
The organisers expressed their sincere gratitude to all dignitaries, players, officials, and supporters for their valuable contribution in making the tournament a grand success and reaffirmed their commitment towards the development of women’s hockey in the country.
