Day 4 of the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior Women National Championship 2026 in Ranchi offered a compelling mix of dominant victories, closely fought encounters, and standout individual performances across Division B and Division C.
With teams now entering a decisive phase in the group stages, results are beginning to shape the trajectory of the competition.
The day’s action was headlined by Le Puducherry Hockey’s emphatic 10-0 win, alongside strong performances from Kerala Hockey, Hockey Himachal, Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu, and Delhi Hockey.
Le Puducherry Run Riot in Division C
Le Puducherry Hockey produced one of the most dominant performances of the tournament, thrashing Hockey Rajasthan 10-0 in Pool B of Division C. It was a complete attacking display, with goals flowing consistently across all four quarters. Gnaneswari Giraka led the charge with a four-goal haul, showcasing clinical finishing and positional awareness. Chanchal added a hat-trick, while Haridharshini, Tharini S, and captain Kanagasri also got on the scoresheet to complete the rout.
The victory not only highlighted Le Puducherry’s attacking depth but also their ability to maintain intensity throughout the match, an important trait as the tournament progresses.
In another Division C fixture, Kerala Hockey registered a 4-1 win over Telangana Hockey in Pool A. Kerala established early control, with Parameswari Pinapothula scoring twice in quick succession to give her side a strong start.
Niranjana Pradeep added a third, while captain Reshma Samad sealed the win late in the game. Telangana managed a goal through Anandi Mahanand, but Kerala’s structured play and control ensured there were no further setbacks.
With the conclusion of Division C group matches, Goans Hockey and Hockey Jammu & Kashmir emerged as the top teams in Pool A and Pool B respectively, underlining their consistency across the group stage.
Chandigarh and Uttarakhand Share Points
One of the most competitive matches of the day came in Division B, Pool B, where Hockey Chandigarh and Hockey Uttarakhand played out a 2-2 draw. Annu starred for Chandigarh with a brace, putting her side in control during key phases. However, Uttarakhand showed resilience, with captain Minakshi and Gungun Katariya scoring late goals to salvage a point.
The result reflected the evenly matched nature of the contest, with both teams displaying strong attacking intent and the ability to respond under pressure.
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Hockey Himachal secured a 3-1 win over Hockey Karnataka in another Division B, Pool B encounter. Shanvi Sharma was the standout performer, scoring twice, while Arushi added an early goal to set the tone. Karnataka pulled one back through Saraswathy H Y, but Himachal maintained control for most of the match, managing the tempo effectively and limiting opposition chances.
The win strengthens Himachal’s position in the group and keeps them firmly in contention for the knockout stages.
Tamil Nadu Deliver Commanding Performance
Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu produced a convincing 5-1 victory over Assam Hockey in Pool A of Division B. The match saw a standout performance from Jonishadefny MJ, who scored a hat-trick, consistently troubling the Assam defence. Captain Kanishka S.S and G Swathi also contributed with goals, ensuring Tamil Nadu maintained a comfortable lead. Assam’s lone goal came through Kalita Chayanika, but it proved to be only a consolation.
Tamil Nadu’s attacking efficiency and structured gameplay make them one of the teams to watch as the tournament progresses.
Delhi Edge Tight Contest
In the final match of the day, Delhi Hockey secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu Hockey in Division B, Pool A. Captain Dipika opened the scoring early, giving Delhi an important advantage. Aashna Kamboj doubled the lead in the third quarter, but the opposition responded quickly through Priya to keep the contest alive.
Delhi held firm in the closing stages, showcasing defensive discipline to secure all three points in a tightly contested encounter.
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Day 4 highlighted the contrasting styles of teams in the competition. While sides like Le Puducherry and Tamil Nadu relied on attacking dominance, others such as Himachal and Delhi showcased control and game management.
Individual brilliance also played a crucial role, with players like Gnaneswari Giraka and Jonishadefny MJ delivering standout performances that directly influenced match outcomes.
As the championship progresses, the margins for error continue to shrink. Teams will now look to build momentum, refine combinations, and address tactical gaps ahead of the knockout rounds. With Division C group stages concluded and Division B heating up, the competition is entering a crucial phase where consistency will be key.
Day 4 in Ranchi once again underlined the depth of talent in Indian women’s hockey at the grassroots level. From high-scoring encounters to tightly fought battles, the tournament continues to provide a strong platform for emerging players to make their mark on the national stage.
