Did Punjab and Haryana Shine in Women's Hockey at the Masters Cup?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Punjab and Haryana excelled in women's hockey matches.
- Maharashtra and Odisha showcased strong performances in men's games.
- Hat-tricks were achieved by players like Chingshubam Sanggai Ibemhal and Sonika Yadav.
- Strong leadership from captains was evident in both categories.
- The tournament is a key platform for rising hockey talent.
Chennai, June 19 (NationPress) Following an exhilarating opening day at the inaugural Hockey India Masters Cup 2025, it was Punjab and Haryana that emerged victorious in the women's section on Day 2. Meanwhile, Hockey Maharashtra and the Hockey Association of Odisha celebrated their wins in the men's matches.
In the first women's match on Thursday, Hockey Punjab triumphed over the Hockey Association of Odisha with a score of 3-1. Goals were scored by Sangita Minz (3’), Captain Amandeep Kaur (5’), and Niti (26’), while Ranjita Beck (50’) managed to net a consolation goal for Odisha.
The second women's match saw Hockey Haryana defeat the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu 8-4. Suresh Rasna Babu (2’, 20’) made a notable contribution with two goals, alongside Christy Elena Edward (40’) and Saumya (56’), each scoring once.
In a remarkable display, both Chingshubam Sanggai Ibemhal (3’, 10’, 13’) and Sonika Yadav (32’, 49’, 51’) achieved hat-tricks, leading their team to victory. Suman Lata Chumbak (26’) and Neetu Kumari (44’) also contributed with additional goals.
Switching to the men's matches, Hockey Maharashtra dominated Manipur Hockey with a score of 7-1. Captain Dhananjay Mahadik (34’, 36’) was the star of the show, scoring two goals. Other contributors included Dadasaheb Prakash Ghumbre (12’), Vikram Pillay (14’), Leonard Keith Pereira (19’), Shakti Bharatsingh Thakur (24’), and Harish Padinjarethil (54’), each netting one goal. Sorokhaibam Bidyakumar Singh (25’) scored the sole goal for Manipur.
The day concluded with the Hockey Association of Odisha securing a 6-3 win against Le Puducherry Hockey. Harikrishnan S (17’) opened the scoring for Puducherry, with teammates B Adhikesavan (23’) and Delhiganesh (58’) adding to the scoreline later. For Odisha, Santiel Mundu (32’, 41’, 43’) scored three goals, while Captain Lajrus Barla (19’), Ladhu Ekka (52’), and Bernard Lakra (59’) each scored once, marking their first tournament win.