A five-goal haul by Nilam Sanjeep Xess powered Odisha to win bronze medal in the 1st Hockey India 5-a-side Senior National Championship (men), defeating Karnataka by 10-9 goals at Pune Maharashtra from October 26-30.
Racing from the back Odisha won the nail biting match, two goals down Odisha started their campaign through a goal by Birla Prakash in the 4th minute, and he also scored two more goals in the 9th and 26th minutes.
International icon Nilam netted five goals in the7th, 13th, 17th, 22nd and 23rd and took away the match from Karnataka. Teophil Kujur joined the party by scoreing double goals in the 6th and 30th minute.
Results: Odisha; Birla Prakash (4th,9th 26th), Teophil Kujur (6th,30th), Nilam Sanjeep Xess (7th,13th,17th,22nd, 23rd) beat Hockey Karnataka VT Rathan Mathanna (1st, 3rd, 12th), Thimmaiah Nithin (5th,11th,19th),DS Darshan (15th), GR Shreyas (17th), Somanna Pradhan (27th) 10-9.