The 14th Hockey India Sub-Junior National Women’s Championship witnessed a day of thrilling encounters at the RRC Ground in Hyderabad. Madhya Pradesh pulled off a stunning upset, defeating defending champions Haryana 3-2 in a nail-biting quarterfinal. Meanwhile, Jharkhand stormed into the semifinals with an emphatic victory, displaying their dominance throughout the tournament.
Madhya Pradesh vs Haryana: A Gripping Encounter
Haryana, the defending champions, started the match on a strong note. Diksha opened the scoring for Haryana in the 13th minute, giving her team an early lead. Despite being under pressure, the Madhya Pradesh girls exhibited remarkable composure. Sallu Pukhrambam leveled the score in the 34th minute with a brilliant strike, signaling Madhya Pradesh’s intent to fight till the end.
The match’s intensity grew as Madhya Pradesh took the lead in the 50th minute. Rubi Rathore, showcasing her penalty corner expertise, found the back of the net, putting Madhya Pradesh ahead 2-1. However, Haryana responded in the 58th minute through Durga, who scored to make it 2-2. With just minutes left, the game seemed destined for extra time.
In a dramatic twist, Madhya Pradesh refused to settle for a draw. Just a minute after Haryana’s equalizer, Rubi Rathore once again stepped up during a penalty corner. Her decisive goal sealed the match, dumping the defending champions out of the tournament and propelling Madhya Pradesh into the semifinals.
Jharkhand’s Dominant Performance
The second quarterfinal saw last year’s runners-up, Jharkhand, unleash a goal-scoring frenzy. Facing Maharashtra, Jharkhand began the match cautiously, with their opponents holding them to a 2-0 scoreline at halftime. However, the Jharkhand girls exploded into action in the second half, delivering a jaw-dropping 12-0 victory.
Leoni Hemrom was the star of the match, scoring five goals and leading Jharkhand’s charge. Her first goal came within the opening minute, setting the tone for Jharkhand’s performance. She struck again in the 16th minute, giving her team a comfortable lead before halftime.
The third quarter saw Jharkhand shift gears, scoring four goals to extend their dominance. The final quarter turned into a complete rout as they added six more goals to their tally. Shruti Kumari and Thekia Horo contributed with two goals each, further cementing Jharkhand’s reputation as a formidable team.
Mizoram Stuns Uttar Pradesh
Mizoram delivered another surprise of the day, defeating Uttar Pradesh 1-0 in a tightly contested match. Uttar Pradesh, who finished fourth in the previous edition, struggled to break through Mizoram’s defense. The match’s only goal came in the 49th minute when Mizoram skipper Laltlanchhungi converted a penalty stroke. This crucial goal secured Mizoram’s spot in the semifinals, marking a historic achievement for the team.
Odisha Cruises Past Delhi
Odisha, last year’s third-place finishers, displayed a commanding performance against Delhi, winning 3-0 to secure their place in the semifinals. Odisha’s attacking prowess was evident from the start, as Anjana Xaxa opened the scoring. Lugun Shibani and Sanjna Kujur added to the tally, ensuring a comfortable victory for Odisha.
Delhi struggled to keep up with Odisha’s pace and precision. The Odisha girls maintained control throughout the match, effectively neutralizing Delhi’s attempts to mount a comeback.
Semifinal Lineup: Madhya Pradesh vs Mizoram, Jharkhand vs Odisha
The stage is set for the semifinals on Thursday, promising another day of intense hockey action. Madhya Pradesh will face Mizoram, a team riding high on their morale-boosting victory over Uttar Pradesh. Both teams have shown resilience and determination, making this clash one to watch.
In the other semifinal, Jharkhand will take on Odisha. Jharkhand’s emphatic quarterfinal win has positioned them as favorites, but Odisha’s consistent performances cannot be overlooked. This match is expected to be a high-octane encounter, with both teams aiming for a place in the final.
Key Highlights from the Quarterfinals
- Madhya Pradesh’s Resilience
Madhya Pradesh’s ability to bounce back against Haryana demonstrated their grit and determination. Rubi Rathore’s match-winning goals underscored the team’s strength in converting penalty corners. - Jharkhand’s Offensive Mastery
With 12 goals against Maharashtra, Jharkhand proved their attacking depth. Leoni Hemrom’s five-goal haul highlighted her exceptional skills and leadership on the field. - Mizoram’s Historic Victory
Mizoram’s narrow win over Uttar Pradesh showcased their defensive solidity and the crucial role of captain Laltlanchhungi. Their entry into the semifinals marks a significant milestone for the team. - Odisha’s Consistency
Odisha’s clinical 3-0 win against Delhi reinforced their status as a strong contender for the title. Their balanced performance across attack and defense will be crucial in the semifinals.
Expectations for the Semifinals
The semifinals promise to deliver high-intensity matches as the top four teams vie for a spot in the championship final.
- Madhya Pradesh vs Mizoram
Madhya Pradesh’s attacking flair, led by Rubi Rathore, will be tested against Mizoram’s disciplined defense. The outcome will depend on how well Madhya Pradesh can penetrate Mizoram’s backline and whether Mizoram can capitalize on counter-attacks. - Jharkhand vs Odisha
Jharkhand’s offensive strength will clash with Odisha’s well-rounded approach. Jharkhand’s Leoni Hemrom will likely be a key player, while Odisha’s defensive setup will aim to neutralize her impact.
Conclusion
The 14th Hockey India Sub-Junior National Women’s Championship has already delivered several memorable moments. Madhya Pradesh’s upset victory over Haryana and Jharkhand’s dominant display against Maharashtra are testaments to the growing competitiveness of the tournament. As the semifinals approach, fans can expect more thrilling matches and standout performances.
With Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Jharkhand, and Odisha in the fray, the championship is poised for an exciting finish. The upcoming matches will not only determine the finalists but also showcase the rising stars of Indian hockey, setting the stage for the future of the sport in the country.
