Jr Women Hockey Nationals: Chandigarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur Reach Quarterfinals

Pune, August 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Chandigarh, Hockey Association of Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Manipur booked their places in the quarterfinals of the 16th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship 2026 after securing wins on the final day of pool matches at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium, Nehrunagar-Pimpri, near Pune, on Tuesday.

The championship is being hosted by Hockey Maharashtra under the aegis of Hockey India.

In Pool A, Hockey Chandigarh defeated Hockey Punjab 3-1 to register their first win of the tournament. Diksha (33rd minute), Ravina (34th) and Priya Chauhan (46th) scored for Chandigarh, while Jaismeen Kaur pulled one back for Punjab in the 40th minute.

Hockey Chandigarh finished second in Pool A with three points from two matches, behind Hockey Jharkhand, who topped the pool with six points. Hockey Punjab finished third with no points.

Hockey Association of Odisha produced a dominant 6-0 victory over Hockey Bengal in Pool B. Drupati Naik scored twice (10th, 47th), while Ajita Ekka (29th), Ekka Sonali (30th), Binati Minz (44th) and Bholi Doli (49th) were also on target. Odisha finished second behind Pool B winners Hockey Haryana, who had six points, while Bengal remained without a point.

In Pool D, Madhya Pradesh defeated Hockey Himachal 6-0 to finish top with six points. Tanvi (12th), Kajal (19th, 26th, 52nd), Mitali Sharma (58th) and Kudrat (59th) scored for Madhya Pradesh. Himachal finished at the bottom without a point.

Manipur Hockey edged Hockey Maharashtra 3-2 in Pool C, with Sallu Pukhrambam completing a hat-trick (21st, 43rd, 47th). Maharashtra responded through Rubi Rathore (49th) and Tanishka Shinde (53rd).

Uttar Pradesh Hockey topped Pool C with four points on a superior goal average, while Manipur also finished on four points in second place. Maharashtra ended the pool without a point.

The quarterfinal line-up will see Hockey Jharkhand face Hockey Association of Odisha, Madhya Pradesh take on Manipur Hockey, Hockey Haryana meet Chandigarh, and Uttar Pradesh Hockey play Chhattisgarh Hockey.