Four teams — Hockey Chandigarh, Hockey Association of Odisha, Hockey Madhya Pradesh, and Manipur Hockey — sealed their quarterfinal berths at the 16th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship 2026 on Tuesday, 18 August, at the Maj. Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium, Nehrunagar-Pimpri, near Pune. The four results on the final day of pool matches completed the last-eight lineup in the tournament organised by Hockey Maharashtra under the aegis of Hockey India.

Pool-Stage Results at a Glance

In Pool A, Hockey Chandigarh recorded their first win of the tournament, defeating Hockey Punjab 3-1. Goals from Diksha (33'), Ravina (34'), and Priya Chauhan (46') did the damage; Jaismeen Kaur (40') pulled one back for Punjab. Chandigarh finished second in the pool on 3 points, behind pool winners Hockey Jharkhand, who topped with 6 points.

In Pool B, Hockey Association of Odisha dismantled Hockey Bengal 6-0. Drupati Naik scored a brace (10', 47'), with further goals from Ajita Ekka (29'), Ekka Sonali (30'), Binati Minz (44'), and Bholi Doli (49'). Odisha finished second behind pool winners Hockey Haryana, who also closed with 6 points.

In Pool D, Hockey Madhya Pradesh hammered Hockey Himachal 6-0 to top the group with a perfect 6 points. Kajal was the standout performer with a hat-trick (19', 26', 52'), supported by Tanvi (12'), Mitali Sharma (58'), and Kudrat (59').

In Pool C, the tightest contest of the day saw Manipur Hockey edge out hosts Hockey Maharashtra 3-2. Sallu Pukhrambam delivered a hat-trick (21', 43', 47') for Manipur, while Rubi Rathore (49') and Tanishka Shinde (53') fought back for Maharashtra. Uttar Pradesh Hockey topped Pool C on better goal average, both UP and Manipur finishing on 4 points; Maharashtra exited without a point.

How the Quarterfinal Draw Shapes Up

The last-eight fixtures pit pool toppers against runners-up from alternate groups. Hockey Jharkhand face Hockey Association of Odisha, while Hockey Madhya Pradesh take on Manipur Hockey. In the other half, Hockey Haryana clash with Hockey Chandigarh, and Uttar Pradesh Hockey meet Chhattisgarh Hockey.

Key Performers to Watch

Manipur's Sallu Pukhrambam and Odisha's Drupati Naik both registered hat-tricks and braces respectively on the final pool day, making them ones to watch in the knockout rounds. Madhya Pradesh's Kajal also netted three times in the 6-0 rout, underlining MP's attacking depth heading into the quarters.

Tournament Context

The 16th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship serves as a critical scouting ground for India's junior women's pipeline, with several past editions producing players who went on to represent the national side. This year's edition, hosted at the iconic Maj. Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium, draws teams from across the country competing across divisions. The quarterfinals will determine which four sides advance to the semifinals and keep their title ambitions alive.