National Games 2023: Odisha clinches gold in mini golf, bags double bronze in sepak takraw

Odisha’s winning streak continued in the ongoing 37th edition of the National Games in Goa as they secured yet another gold medal on Friday. 

Abhipsa Panda and Bikash Chandra Pattnaik secured gold in mini golf mixed doubles event. Odisha also bagged two bronze medals in doubles and quad events of sepak takraw. 

Meanwhile, Odisha women’s football team emerged victorious in a 5-4 tiebreaker against West Bengal after a goalless draw at full time, to seal their spot in the final. 

The triumph in mini golf marks Odisha’s seventh gold medal in the competition and their first medal in mini golf. Odisha’s medal tally is currently at 34, with seven gold, ten silver and seventeen bronze medals. 

Following Odisha’s semi-final victory against West Bengal, head coach Crispin Chettri commended the squad for a gritty and determined performance. 

“This was a tough game for us. West Bengal has been one of best teams in the tournament so far and it was our teamwork and effort that got us the victory,” said Chettri.

 “We are lucky as we have had the chance to train together for an extended period with great facilities at the Kalinga Sports Complex. Due to this the team is familiar with one and other and there is a good tactical understanding of each other, which is something many teams in the competition have struggled with,” Chettri added.

However, Odisha’s women’s hockey team was defeated 2-7 by Haryana. Lillima Minz (20’) and Neha Lakra (52’) were the goal scorers for Odisha.