PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, April 2: Jharkhand secured a silver medal at the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026, with players from the Naval Tata Hockey Academy (NTHA) playing a key role in the team’s impressive campaign in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
NTHA cadets form backbone of team
Eight NTHA cadets—Navin Kerketta, Dilbar Barla, Daniyal Soy, Simon Bodra, Sem Munda, Bhimsen Kisku, Junul Purty, and Jaymasih Tuti—formed the core of the Jharkhand squad.
Their consistent performances, tactical discipline, and composure under pressure helped the team reach the final.
Fighting finish in final
In the final, Jharkhand put up a strong fight but lost 4–1 to Odisha, finishing as runners-up. Jaymasih Tuti scored the lone goal for Jharkhand.
Jharkhand’s journey to the final was marked by teamwork and resilience, with NTHA players contributing significantly at every stage.
The performance highlights the growing reputation of the Naval Tata Hockey Academy as a key centre for nurturing hockey talent.
The academy congratulated the players for their achievement and expressed confidence in their future at the national and international levels.