Published: August 23, 2026 at 10:38 pm
Hockey Haryana emerged the undisputed champions at the expense Hockey Jharkhand in the 16th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship 2026 at the Maj. Dhyanchand Hockey Stadium, Nehrunagar-Pimpri, Pune, on Sunday.
In the final, and Hockey Haryana were engaged in an exciting battle, before Hockey Haryana won 2-1.
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Hockey Jharkhand, pushing hard, were the first to score when Mundri Saroj (19’) netted, much to the surprise of Hockey Haryana. Thereafter, Hockey Haryana turned tables gain the upper hand in the second quarter which led to Bhavya (23’) finding the net off a penalty-corner conversion. At half-time both teams were locked 1-1.
Jharkhand and Haryana set for final showdown at 16th Junior Women Nationals in Pune
After a scoreless third quarter, Hockey Haryana scored the winner when Khushi (42’) scored in the fourth quarter to claim the coveted title.
The third-place play off was claimed by Hockey Madhya Pradesh who got the better of Chhattisgarh Hockey 3-1 on Sunday. Having played out a goalless first session, Kajal (35’, 37’) scored a brace. Both goals were scored off penalty-strokes. Tanvi (42’) scored the third. Chhattisgarh Hockey pulled one back when Sheetal Yadav (54’) scored.
The prizes were handed over by chief guest on the occasion, Murlidhar Mohol, minister of state for civil aviation and cooperation, government of India, president, Maharashtra Olympic Association and presided by Krishna Prakash, ADG, Maharashtra Police, president, Hockey Maharashtra. Also present were Anna Bansode, deputy speaker; Ravi Landge, mayor – PCMC, chairman – organising committee; Sandeep Joshi, ex MLC, senior vice president, Maharashtra Olympic Association in the presence of Kuldeep Jangam, additional commissioner – PCMC; Shrirang Barne, Member of Parliament; Mahesh Landge, Member of Legislative Assembly; Shankar Jagtap, Member of Legislative Assembly; Amit Gorakhe, Member of Legislative Council; Uma Khapre, Member of Legislative Council; Sharmila Babar, Deputy Mayor, PCMC; Kailash Kute, Chairman – Sports Committee, PCMC; Bhausaheb Bhoir, Leader of Opposition; Pankaj Patil, Deputy Commissioner Sports, PCMC; Nand Kishor Singh, CGM, SBI Maharashtra Circle; Vinay Kumar Shukla, Zonal Head, UBI – Zonal Office; Rajesh Nair, Vice President, Emcure; Sanjay Shete, Secretary General – Maharashtra Olympic Association; Prabhakar Salunke, Chairman, Sumeet Group & Unique Delta Force and Olympians Mohd. Riaz; Rekha Bhide; Ajit Lakra; Gavin Ferreira; Vikram Pillay. Also present were International Players in Joydeep Kaur; Jaspreet Kaur; Vikas Pillay; Helen Mary, Akash Chikte and Manoj Bhore, Organising Secretary, Associate Vice President Hockey India, Vice President, Maharashtra Olympic Association and Manish Anand, Convenor, General Secretary, Hockey Maharashtra.
The tournament was organised by Hockey Maharashtra under the aegis of Hockey India and in association with the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. State Bank of India is the Presenting Sponsor, with Union Bank of India as the Powering Partner. Emcure Pharmaceuticals is the Official Partner, Bisleri is the Hydration Partner, while Aswani Associates and Suhana Masala are the Support Partners.
Results (final): Hockey Haryana 2 (Bhavya 23’; Khushi 42’) beat Hockey Jharkhand 1 (Mundri Saroj 19’). HT: 1-1.
3rd place: 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 Tournament: Sukhpreet Kaur (Hockey Haryana).
