Exciting Quarterfinals: Punjab, UP, MP Shine in Sub-jr Men's Hockey Championship
Synopsis
In the latest round of the 16th Hockey India Sub-Junior Men National Championship, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh secured thrilling victories in their quarterfinal matches. The competition at Rajgir Sports Complex is heating up as teams vie for glory.
Key Takeaways
Punjab , Uttar Pradesh , and Madhya Pradesh displayed exceptional skills in the quarterfinals.
Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Hockey achieved a significant victory against Hockey Chandigarh .
High-scoring matches featured multiple hat-tricks.
The championship is showcasing the future stars of Indian hockey.
Rajgir, April 9 (NationPress) In a thrilling display of skill and determination, teams from Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh achieved significant victories in their respective Division ‘A’ quarterfinal matches during Day 8 of the 16th Hockey India Sub-Junior Men National Championship 2026 at the Rajgir Sports Complex in Rajgir, Bihar, on Thursday.
The day kicked off with a match where Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Hockey pulled off a narrow 2-1 triumph over Hockey Chandigarh. Captain Dhiraj Pal was pivotal for the winners, netting goals at the 27th and 42nd minutes, while Jasmeet Singh managed to score for Chandigarh in the 59th minute.
In the second quarter-final, Hockey Punjab triumphed over Hockey Jharkhand with a score of 5-3 in an action-packed encounter. Rajveer Singh showcased his prowess by scoring twice (29’, 56’), alongside goals from Akash Deep (11’), Sahabajpreet Singh (32’), and Sanmukh Singh (39’). On the opposing side, Ashish Tani Purti made headlines by securing a hat-trick for Hockey Jharkhand with goals at 15’, 19’, and 56’.
The third quarter-final featured Uttar Pradesh Hockey defeating the Hockey Association of Odisha by a score of 6-3. Nitish Yadav contributed significantly with two goals (49’, 51’), while Karan Dhanuk (33’), Prahalad Rajbhar (39’), Captain Ketan Kushwaha (42’), and Romit Pal (52’) each found the back of the net. Deepak Prakash Toppo also shone for the Hockey Association of Odisha by scoring a hat-trick (34’, 45’, 57’).
The final match of the day ended in a 0-0 stalemate between Hockey Madhya Pradesh and Hockey Haryana, but Hockey Madhya Pradesh emerged victorious with a 4-3 win in the subsequent shootout. Karan Gautam, Gazee Khan, Siddharth Ben, and Ronin Ningombam Singh scored in the shootout, with Ayush Rajak making two crucial saves to secure the win. Ashish, Sachin, and Vishwjeet successfully converted shootout attempts for Hockey Haryana.
On Day 7 of the championship, teams like Hockey Chandigarh, Hockey Haryana, Hockey Association of Odisha, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Hockey also celebrated victories in their matches.
The first match of the day saw Hockey Chandigarh stage an impressive comeback, defeating Hockey Maharashtra 5-3. Pravin Patiyal Pratham opened the scoring for Maharashtra at the 21st minute, but Sahil Duhan, the Chandigarh captain, quickly equalized at the 27th minute.
Point of View
The excitement builds. The performances of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh showcase the talent and competitive spirit within Indian hockey. These quarterfinal matches not only highlight individual brilliance but also the collective effort of teams aiming for national glory.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What teams won in the quarterfinals?
Teams from Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu won their respective quarterfinal matches.
Where is the championship being held?
The 16th Hockey India Sub-Junior Men National Championship is being held at the Rajgir Sports Complex in Rajgir, Bihar.
Who scored the most goals in the quarterfinals?
Deepak Prakash Toppo from the Hockey Association of Odisha and Ashish Tani Purti from Hockey Jharkhand both scored hat-tricks in their matches.
