Odisha, MP, UP, and Jharkhand Advance to Semifinals in Sub-Junior Women's National Hockey Championship
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Ranchi, April 9 (NationPress) Teams representing Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand triumphed in the quarterfinals of Division 'A' during the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior Women National Championship 2026, held at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh International Astro-turf Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand, on Thursday.
In the first quarterfinal, the Hockey Association of Odisha showcased their prowess with an impressive 8-1 win against Hockey Maharashtra. Star player Priyanka Minz (8', 26', 41', 54') netted four remarkable goals. Additional contributions came from Princess Priya Ekka (20', 42'), Sweety Kujur (26'), and Kiran Ekka (38'), while Anvi Rawat (60') managed to score the only goal for Hockey Maharashtra.
The second quarterfinal was a showdown between Hockey Madhya Pradesh and Hockey Mizoram, where Madhya Pradesh emerged victorious with a score of 5-1. Captain Nousheen Naz (12', 24', 42') achieved a hat-trick, and Nammi Geethasri (2') along with Bhabar Keshar (21') added to the tally. For Hockey Mizoram, captain Laldinpuii (53') scored in the final quarter.
In the third quarterfinal, Uttar Pradesh Hockey edged out Hockey Haryana 2-1 in a tightly contested match. Arika Kumari (21') initiated the scoring for Uttar Pradesh, while Radhika (50') equalized for Haryana. However, Rashi Singh (54') secured the win for Uttar Pradesh just minutes later.
The final quarterfinal witnessed the hosts, Hockey Jharkhand, defeating Hockey Punjab 2-0, with goals from Pushpa Manjhi (35') and Sandeepa Kumari (53').
Looking ahead, Hockey Association of Odisha is set to face off against Hockey Madhya Pradesh, while Hockey Jharkhand will compete against Uttar Pradesh Hockey in the semifinals scheduled for Friday.