The second edition of the Punjab Hockey League (U-21) produced its most dramatic day yet, as both Naval Tata Hockey Academy (NTHA), Jamshedpur, and Roundglass Hockey Academy (RGHA) battled through pulsating 4–3 wins at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium.
While Roundglass Hockey Academy retained their position at the top of the standings with 26 points, Naval Tata’s victory helped them reclaim third place, reshaping the league table as the competition intensifies. The day’s action was further highlighted by strong performances from Sports Authority of India (SAI) Sonipat, who notched up their eighth win of the season, and Namdhari Hockey Academy, who climbed into the top four. With Olympian and former Indian captain Manpreet Singh in attendance to cheer on the youngsters, the ninth matchday embodied both the competitive fire and the developmental mission of the league.
Naval Tata Hockey Academy Edge Surjit Academy in a Classic
The standout clash of the day came between NTHA Jamshedpur and PIS Surjit Hockey Academy, Jalandhar. Both teams entered the contest locked in the race for the third spot, and the match unfolded as a rollercoaster of momentum shifts.
Surjit Academy struck first in the 22nd minute through Manmeet Singh, capitalising on an early period of pressure. But NTHA hit back almost immediately, with Sabian Kiro finding the net a minute later. The hosts surged back in front through Charanjeet Singh in the 26th minute, only for NTHA’s Ashish Tani Purti to equalise in the 34th minute, ensuring the first half ended level at 2–2. The intensity carried into the second half as Kiro netted his second goal, giving NTHA the lead for the first time in the match. However, the pendulum swung again when Abhishek Gorkhi restored parity for Surjit in the 49th minute.
With the contest finely poised, it was Afridi who delivered the decisive moment, scoring in the 52nd minute to hand NTHA a thrilling 4–3 victory. The result not only moved NTHA back into third place but also pushed Surjit Academy down to fourth, a significant shift in the battle for semifinal qualification.
Roundglass Hockey Academy Survive Late Scare Against SGPC
Table-toppers Roundglass Hockey Academy appeared to be cruising when they stormed into a 3–0 lead within the first 16 minutes against SGPC Hockey Academy, Amritsar. Goals from Gurwinder Singh, Gursewak Singh, and Sunny Singh suggested a comfortable outing for the league leaders. But SGPC fought back bravely in the second quarter, scoring twice in five minutes through Harwinder Singh and Mehakdeep Singh to cut the deficit to 3–2. The game tightened in the third quarter, with both sides struggling to break down resolute defences.
In the 49th minute, Japnit Singh converted a penalty stroke to give RGHA a two-goal cushion. Yet, SGPC refused to give in, and Harwinder struck again to make it 4–3. The closing minutes were filled with tension, but RGHA’s composure allowed them to hold firm and collect all three points.
The win extended RGHA’s tally to 26 points, keeping them two points ahead of SAI Sonipat at the summit. Earlier in the day, SAI Sonipat strengthened their credentials as serious contenders with a commanding 3–0 win over SDAT Hockey Academy. Goals from Happy Singh, Navraj Singh, and Mithilesh Yadav underlined their dominance, as the Sonipat side recorded their eighth win in nine matches.
With 24 points on the board, SAI remain within striking distance of leaders RGHA, setting the stage for a fierce battle for top spot as the league enters its decisive phase.
Namdhari Hockey Academy Break Into Top Four
In the second match of the day, Namdhari Hockey Academy took advantage of Surjit’s defeat by securing a 2–0 win against bottom-placed Ghumanhera Risers Hockey Academy, New Delhi. Yuvraj Singh was the hero, converting two penalty corners to ensure a comfortable win. This victory lifted Namdhari into fourth place, giving them renewed hope of pushing for a semifinal berth. For Ghumanhera Risers, however, it was another setback in a difficult campaign, as they remain rooted to the bottom of the table.
The Bigger Picture
With the conclusion of day nine, the Punjab Hockey League standings reflect an intriguing battle at both ends of the table:
- Roundglass Hockey Academy lead with 26 points.
- SAI Sonipat are close behind on 24 points.
- Naval Tata Hockey Academy have reclaimed third place.
- Namdhari Hockey Academy now occupy fourth, while Surjit Academy slip to fifth.
The league, jointly organised by Roundglass Hockey Academy and Hockey Punjab, is more than just a competition. Its core aim is to provide structured match exposure to players at the grassroots level, preparing them for national and international challenges. By bringing together some of India’s best young talents in a competitive environment, the league is shaping the next generation of hockey stars.
The presence of stalwarts like Manpreet Singh at the stadium further underscored the league’s importance in bridging the gap between India’s hockey heritage and its future. For the players, competing in front of such icons adds invaluable motivation.
With a rest day scheduled tomorrow, teams will regroup and strategize for the upcoming fixtures. As the league enters its second half, the competition for semifinal spots promises to intensify. RGHA and SAI Sonipat look firmly in control at the top, but the race for third and fourth places is wide open, with NTHA, Namdhari, and Surjit Academy all in contention.
For now, day nine will be remembered for its drama, goals, and the resilience shown by both winners and losers. In delivering high-quality hockey and nurturing young talent, the Punjab Hockey League continues to fulfil its vision of blending competition with development.
Watch Highlights on Roundglass YouTube
