Who Will Triumph in the Sub-Jr Women's Hockey Nationals: Haryana vs Odisha and Mizoram vs Jharkhand?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Haryana demonstrated strong defensive skills against Uttar Pradesh.
- Hockey Association of Odisha showcased offensive prowess with a 5-0 victory.
- Mizoram displayed leadership and scoring ability from their captain.
- The dramatic Jharkhand vs Madhya Pradesh match highlighted the importance of composure in high-pressure situations.
- Anticipation builds for the semifinals on July 12.
Ranchi, July 11 (NationPress) Haryana, Hockey Association of Odisha, Mizoram, and Jharkhand clinched their places in the semifinals of the 15th Hockey India Sub Junior Women National Championship 2025 with impressive performances and intense finishes on Friday. In the semifinals scheduled for Saturday, Haryana will face Odisha, while Mizoram will battle Jharkhand.
The quarterfinal matchups unfolded dramatically at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand, showcasing fierce competition.
In the opening quarterfinal, Haryana narrowly defeated Uttar Pradesh 1-0 in a hard-fought match. Manjinder (9’) netted the pivotal goal early on. Despite numerous promising circle entries and seven penalty corners, Uttar Pradesh could not equalize due to Haryana’s steadfast defense.
The second quarterfinal featured a dominant performance from the Hockey Association of Odisha, who overwhelmed the Hockey Association of Bihar with a commanding 5-0 scoreline. Ashika Samad (10’) initiated the scoring through a penalty corner, followed by field goals from Priyanka Minz (14’) and Eleena Burh (26’) in the first half.
The second half saw Gita Lakra (33’) convert another penalty corner, and Sweety Kujur (37’) added a field goal to confirm an emphatic victory.
In the third quarterfinal, Mizoram easily dispatched Punjab 4-0, led by their captain Vanlalrinhlui who scored twice (19’, 47’), while Lalruatsiami C (41’) and Lalvenpuii (57’) contributed one goal each, securing Mizoram’s semifinal berth.
The final quarterfinal delivered the most thrilling conclusion of the day, as Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh ended in a 1-1 tie in regulation. Nousheen Naz (33’) gave Madhya Pradesh the lead, but Sugan Sanga (44’) equalized for Jharkhand via a penalty corner. The match proceeded to a nail-biting shootout.
In the shootout, Jharkhand narrowly triumphed over Madhya Pradesh 5-4, with successful conversions from Ankita Lakra, Shruti Kumari, Sugan Sanga, Pushpa Manjhi, and Sewani Kerketta. Madhya Pradesh succeeded in four attempts, but a critical miss by Tanvi proved detrimental.
Consequently, Haryana, Hockey Association of Odisha, Hockey Mizoram, and Hockey Jharkhand advance to the semifinals, set for July 12.