The 16th Hockey India Sub Junior Hockey Women National Championship 2026 continued to gather momentum on Day 2 in Ranchi, delivering a mix of high-scoring encounters, tactical battles, and standout individual performances across Division ‘B’ and Division ‘C’.
As teams began settling into the rhythm of the tournament, the results reflected both attacking flair and disciplined defensive structures, setting the tone for what promises to be a competitive championship.
The day opened with a lively Division ‘C’, Pool A clash where Goans Hockey emerged victorious in a goal-heavy contest against Telangana Hockey, winning 6-3. The match showcased attacking intent from both sides, but it was Goans Hockey’s ability to convert key moments that proved decisive.
Captain Dellina Mendes led from the front with a brace, striking twice in quick succession in the 40th and 41st minutes to tilt the game firmly in her side’s favour. Bertila Kerketta complemented the effort with two goals of her own late in the match, scoring in the 48th and 52nd minutes to put the result beyond doubt. Earlier contributions from Seema Tirkey and Vidya Kumari ensured that Goans Hockey maintained control through different phases of the game.
Telangana Hockey, however, showed resilience and attacking promise. Anandi Mahanand scored twice, while Navyashri Akula added another, ensuring that the contest remained competitive for large stretches. Despite the loss, Telangana’s ability to create scoring opportunities will be an encouraging takeaway as they progress further in the tournament.
In Division ‘B’, Pool A, Hockey Bengal edged past Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu Hockey in a tightly contested encounter that ended 1-0. Unlike the earlier high-scoring match, this game was defined by structure, discipline, and defensive organisation.
The decisive moment came in the second quarter when captain Puja Kumari Shaw found the back of the net in the 21st minute. Her goal ultimately proved to be the difference in a match where both sides struggled to break through consistently. Hockey Bengal’s defensive unit deserves credit for maintaining composure and protecting their slender lead, highlighting their ability to manage pressure situations effectively.
The most dominant performance of the day came in Division ‘B’, Pool B, where Hockey Chandigarh delivered a commanding 12-1 victory over Hockey Gujarat. It was a display of attacking depth, pace, and clinical finishing, with multiple players contributing to the scoreline.
Captain Kafi was the standout performer, netting four goals and leading by example throughout the match. Annu and Aanchal added two goals each, while Nancy Kashyap also struck twice, showcasing the team’s ability to distribute scoring responsibility across the lineup. Additional goals from Bhawana and Yasmin Sharma completed a comprehensive performance.
Hockey Gujarat managed to score a consolation goal through captain Niyati Parmar, but they were largely outplayed by a Chandigarh side that controlled possession, created consistent chances, and executed efficiently in the final third. The result underlines Hockey Chandigarh’s credentials as one of the stronger contenders in the division.
The final match of the day featured Hockey Uttarakhand taking on Hockey Karnataka in another Division ‘B’, Pool B encounter. Uttarakhand secured a convincing 6-1 win, powered by an explosive start and a clinical attacking display.
Kareena was the star of the match, scoring a hat-trick within the opening stages, with goals in the 10th, 12th, and 17th minutes. Her early strikes set the tone and gave Uttarakhand a strong platform to build on. Captain Minakshi opened the scoring even earlier in the 7th minute, reinforcing the team’s aggressive approach from the outset.
As the match progressed, Uttarakhand maintained control, with Devyani Joshi and Diya adding goals in the later stages to seal a comprehensive victory. Hockey Karnataka managed to pull one back through Preeti Neelaraddi, but they struggled to match Uttarakhand’s intensity and finishing efficiency.
Day 2 of the championship highlighted the diversity in match dynamics—from tightly contested defensive battles to high-scoring attacking showcases. Teams like Hockey Chandigarh and Hockey Uttarakhand demonstrated their offensive strength, while Hockey Bengal showed the importance of discipline and game management in close encounters.
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As the tournament progresses, these early results will play a crucial role in shaping pool standings and momentum. With young talent stepping up and teams beginning to find their combinations, the competition is expected to intensify in the coming days.
Ranchi continues to serve as an energetic host, and with each passing matchday, the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior Women National Championship is building into a platform that not only identifies emerging talent but also reflects the growing depth of women’s hockey across the country.
