Hockey Haryana and Others Advance to Semi-Finals in Junior Women National Championship

Quarter-Finals Highlights from Kakinada

The Quarter-Finals of the 15th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship – Division 'A' took place in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, on August 9, where Hockey Haryana, Chhattisgarh Hockey, Hockey Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh Hockey secured their places in the Semi-Finals.

In the opening match, Hockey Haryana triumphed over the Hockey Association of Odisha with a decisive score of 4-1. The team kicked off the game with an early goal from Kajal (2'), followed by Supriya (27') adding another in the second quarter. Captain Sashi Khasa (36') also contributed to the scoreline with a goal in the third quarter. Although Amisha Ekka (47') managed to score a consolation goal for Odisha, Saavi (60') sealed the victory for Hockey Haryana with another goal.

The second match featured Chhattisgarh Hockey, who emerged victorious against Hockey Madhya Pradesh in a shootout after a 1-1 tie in regulation time. Yashoda (2') scored early for Chhattisgarh, but Huda Khan (15') quickly equalized for Madhya Pradesh. After a tense battle with no further goals, Chhattisgarh's Captain Rukhamani scored twice in the shootout, ensuring her team's progression to the Semi-Finals.

In the third Quarter-Final, Hockey Jharkhand overcame Hockey Punjab with a score of 3-1. Pawanpreet Kaur (6') opened the scoring for Punjab via a penalty corner, but Hockey Jharkhand responded swiftly with a goal from Sweety Dungdung (7'). Shanti Kumari (22') and Roshni Aind (46') added two more goals to secure the win.

The final match of the day saw Uttar Pradesh Hockey defeat Hockey Maharashtra 2-1. After a goalless first half, Sallu Pukhrambam (36') scored for Uttar Pradesh, but Diksha Nitin Shinde (45') equalized for Maharashtra shortly after. In a thrilling finish, Rashmi Patel (55') netted the winning goal through a penalty corner, sending Uttar Pradesh into the next round.