Hosts Hockey Maharashtra suffered a shock 3-0 defeat against Uttar Pradesh Hockey in Pool 'C' of Division A, while Hockey Jharkhand and Hockey Haryana each secured their second consecutive wins to remain unbeaten at the 16th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship 2026. The tournament is being played at the Maj. Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium in Pune, with Monday's matches marking a pivotal day in the qualification race.

Maharashtra's Painful Home Defeat

In what was arguably the day's biggest upset, Uttar Pradesh Hockey dismantled Hockey Maharashtra with goals from Upadhyay Shweta (13', penalty corner), Annu (26', penalty corner), and Vandana Patel (56', penalty stroke). The hosts were unable to find the net, leaving them with 0 points from 1 match at the bottom of Pool 'C'. Uttar Pradesh Hockey now lead the group with 4 points from 2 matches. Playing in front of a home crowd, the Maharashtra side will need a significant turnaround to stay in contention.

Jharkhand and Haryana Maintain Perfect Records

Hockey Jharkhand continued their dominant run in Pool 'A', beating Hockey Punjab 3-1. Rajni Kerketta (23'), Pushpa Dang (36'), and Salomi Nag (58') were on target for Jharkhand, with Harpreet Kaur (7') scoring a consolation for Punjab. Jharkhand now sit on 6 points from 2 matches, topping Pool 'A'.

In Pool 'B', Hockey Haryana were equally clinical, shutting out the Hockey Association of Odisha 3-0. Khushi (15'), Anjani (22'), and Durga (56') did the scoring as Haryana topped their pool with a perfect 6 points from 2 matches.

Madhya Pradesh Recover for First Win

In Pool 'D', Hockey Madhya Pradesh came from behind to beat Chhattisgarh Hockey 3-1. Chhattisgarh had taken an early lead through a penalty stroke by Rukhamani (15'), but Saniya Syed (10'), Tanvi (14'), and Mitali Sharma (45') powered the Madhya Pradesh comeback. The win gives Madhya Pradesh 3 points from 1 match, enough to lead the pool. Chhattisgarh Hockey, with 3 points from 2 matches, sit second.

Division B: Mizoram and Karnataka Seal Pool Tops

In Division B, Hockey Mizoram wrapped up Pool 'A' with a 4-1 win over Hockey Andhra Pradesh, finishing with a perfect 12 points from 4 matches. Lalrawng Bawli Esther, Anjana Xaxa, Lalchhanhchuahi, and Manglawmsang scored for Mizoram. Delhi Hockey also completed their pool campaign with a commanding 5-0 win over Kerala Hockey, though both sides were relegated to Group 'C'.

In Pool 'B', Hockey Karnataka finished as group winners after a resounding 6-0 victory over Goans Hockey, with Pearlin Ponnamma A.G netting four times. Hockey Bihar secured second place in the pool with a 5-1 win over the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu, which was relegated from Group B.

Full Results from Monday

Division A, Pool 'A': Hockey Jharkhand 3 (Rajni Kerketta 23', Pushpa Dang 36', Salomi Nag 58') bt Hockey Punjab 1 (Harpreet Kaur 7'). HT: 1-1.
Division A, Pool 'B': Hockey Haryana 3 (Khushi 15', Anjani 22', Durga 56') bt Hockey Association of Odisha 0. HT: 2-0.
Division A, Pool 'C': Uttar Pradesh Hockey 3 (Upadhyay Shweta 13', Annu 26', Vandana Patel 56') bt Hockey Maharashtra 0. HT: 2-0.
Division A, Pool 'D': Hockey Madhya Pradesh 3 (Saniya Syed 10', Tanvi 14', Mitali Sharma 45') bt Chhattisgarh Hockey 1 (Rukhamani 15' pen. stroke). HT: 2-1.

With pool stages progressing, the knockout picture is beginning to take shape — the next round of matches will be decisive in confirming which sides advance from each pool.