Pune, August 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Hockey Haryana were crowned champions after defeating Hockey Jharkhand 2-1 in an entertaining final of the 16th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship 2026 at the Major Dhyanchand Hockey Stadium near Pune on Sunday.
The tournament was organised by Hockey Maharashtra under the aegis of Hockey India.
Hockey Jharkhand took the lead in the 19th minute when Mundri Saroj found the net, but Haryana quickly responded. Bhavya converted a penalty corner in the 23rd minute to restore parity, leaving the teams level 1-1 at half-time.
Neither side could score in the third quarter, but Haryana eventually found the decisive goal in the 42nd minute, with Khushi converting to put her team ahead. Jharkhand pushed for an equaliser but Haryana held on to secure the title.
Haryana had been impressive throughout the tournament. Led by captain Shashi Khasa and coached by Azad Singh Malik, they began their campaign with a 10-1 win over Hockey Bengal before defeating Hockey Association of Odisha 3-0.
They continued their strong run with a 3-1 quarter-final victory against Hockey Chandigarh and then produced a dominant 8-0 win over Chhattisgarh Hockey in the semi-final.
Hockey Madhya Pradesh secured third place after defeating Chhattisgarh Hockey 3-1 in the playoff.
After a goalless first half, Kajal scored twice through penalty strokes in the 35th and 37th minutes before Tanvi added another goal in the 42nd minute. Chhattisgarh pulled one back through Sheetal Yadav in the 54th minute.
Kajal was named Best Forward, while Haryana’s Bhavya won the Best Defender award. Hockey Jharkhand goalkeeper Gargi Barla was adjudged Best Goalkeeper, while Haryana’s Sukhpreet Kaur was named Player of the Tournament.
Results
Final: Hockey Haryana 2 (Bhavya 23′, Khushi 42′) beat Hockey Jharkhand 1 (Mundri Saroj 19′). HT: 1-1.
Third-place playoff: Hockey Madhya Pradesh 3 (Kajal 35′, 37′; Tanvi 42′) beat Chhattisgarh Hockey 1 (Sheetal Yadav 54′). HT: 0-0.
Individual Awards
- Best Forward: Kajal (Hockey Madhya Pradesh)
- Best Defender: Bhavya (Hockey Haryana)
- Best Goalkeeper: Gargi Barla (Hockey Jharkhand)
- Player of the Tournament: Sukhpreet Kaur (Hockey Haryana)
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