Did Punjab Claim Victory in the Sub-jr Men's Hockey Nationals Against Jharkhand?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Hockey Punjab emerged as champions, showcasing impressive skills.
- The final match was highly competitive, with both teams displaying great determination.
- Mandeep Singh's performance was pivotal in sealing the victory for Punjab.
- Uttar Pradesh Hockey secured third place after defeating Madhya Pradesh.
- The championship highlights the rising talent in Indian hockey.
Chennai, Aug 8 (NationPress) Hockey Punjab emerged victorious in the 15th Hockey India Sub Junior Men National Championship 2025, clinching the championship title in Division ‘A’ with a thrilling 4-3 win over Hockey Jharkhand on Friday.
The final match between Hockey Jharkhand and Hockey Punjab was intensely fought, showcasing determination from both teams until the final whistle. Hockey Jharkhand began the second quarter robustly, netting two consecutive goals by Ashish Tani Purti (21') and Anish Dungdung (24'). However, Hockey Punjab quickly countered, equalizing with goals from Akshit Salaria (29') and Varinder Singh (30'). Despite Sukhu Guria of Jharkhand trying to shift the momentum in his team's favor with a goal (42'), a brace from Punjab’s Mandeep Singh (45', 53') ultimately secured victory for Hockey Punjab, making them champions of the 15th Hockey India Sub Junior Men National Championship 2025.
In the bronze medal encounter, Uttar Pradesh Hockey showcased their skills by defeating Hockey Madhya Pradesh to secure third place in the tournament.
The final day began with a match where Hockey Madhya Pradesh initially took control, establishing a two-goal lead in the first half. However, Uttar Pradesh Hockey turned the tables in the final two quarters, with Ali Shahrukh (42', 47', 51') scoring a hat-trick, alongside goals from Mohd Atif Raynee (40') and Prahalad Rajbhar (55'), leading to a 5-3 triumph. Goals for Hockey Madhya Pradesh came from Aashir Aadil Khan (13'), Karan Gautam (20'), and Meezan Ur Rehman (58').
Earlier in the week, Hockey Punjab secured their spot in the final with a narrow 4-3 victory over Uttar Pradesh Hockey, while Hockey Jharkhand triumphed over Hockey Madhya Pradesh with a score of 3-1 in the second semifinal.