Uttar Pradesh Hockey produced a commanding performance to clinch the title at the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior Men National Championship 2026, defeating Hockey Madhya Pradesh 5–2 in the Division ‘A’ final in Rajgir, Bihar.
In a contest that showcased attacking depth and tactical clarity, Uttar Pradesh underlined their dominance with a clinical display, capping off an impressive and consistent campaign.
The final began at a high tempo, with Uttar Pradesh asserting themselves early. Captain Ketan Kushwaha set the tone in just the fourth minute, converting a field goal to give his side an early advantage. The quick start reflected Uttar Pradesh’s intent to control proceedings from the outset, using pace and structured build-up to stretch the opposition.
Madhya Pradesh, however, responded swiftly. Gazee Khan restored parity in the eighth minute, finishing off a well-worked move to make it 1–1. At that stage, the contest appeared evenly balanced, with both teams showing attacking ambition and willingness to press high.
The turning point came midway through the first half when Uttar Pradesh regained control through a penalty corner conversion. Nitish Yadav stepped up in the 13th minute and executed the set-piece effectively, restoring his team’s lead. From there, Uttar Pradesh began to dictate the rhythm of the game, tightening their defensive structure while continuing to create opportunities in the attacking third.
Their growing dominance was reflected again just before halftime. Ali Shahrukh, one of the standout performers of the tournament, extended the lead in the 28th minute with a composed field goal. The strike not only provided a cushion but also highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s ability to convert chances at crucial moments.
The second half saw Uttar Pradesh elevate their performance further. Rajbhar Prahlad added a fourth goal in the 35th minute, capitalising on sustained pressure and effectively putting the contest beyond Madhya Pradesh’s immediate reach. Just five minutes later, Chauhan Raghvendra Singh made it 5–1, completing a decisive spell that showcased Uttar Pradesh’s attacking depth and efficiency.
Madhya Pradesh did manage to pull one back through Ayush Singh Lodhi in the 43rd minute, but by then, the outcome was largely settled. Uttar Pradesh managed the closing stages with composure, maintaining their structure and limiting further opportunities for their opponents. The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive 5–2 victory and a well-deserved championship triumph.
This victory was the culmination of a dominant tournament run for Uttar Pradesh Hockey. Their campaign began with an emphatic 17–1 win over Manipur Hockey, a result that immediately established them as strong contenders. They followed it up with a 4–0 victory against Hockey Arunachal in the pool stage, demonstrating both attacking firepower and defensive solidity.
In the knockout stages, Uttar Pradesh continued to build momentum. A 6–3 win over Hockey Odisha in the quarterfinals showcased their ability to handle high-scoring contests, while their 6–2 victory over Hockey Punjab in the semifinals highlighted their control in crucial matches. The final performance against Madhya Pradesh was a fitting reflection of their consistency throughout the competition.
Ali Shahrukh emerged as a key figure in Uttar Pradesh’s success, finishing as the team’s leading scorer. His contributions in the attacking third, combined with the overall cohesion of the team, played a vital role in their title-winning campaign.
Earlier in the day, the bronze medal match provided a tightly contested encounter. Hockey Punjab edged past Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Hockey with a narrow 1–0 victory to secure third place. Rajveer Singh scored the decisive goal in the eighth minute, giving Punjab an early lead that they managed to defend resolutely.
Despite sustained efforts from Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Hockey, Punjab maintained their defensive discipline, ensuring that the early goal proved sufficient. The result allowed Punjab to finish their campaign on a positive note, securing a place on the podium.
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The championship overall highlighted the depth of emerging talent in Indian men’s hockey at the grassroots level. Teams demonstrated improved tactical awareness, particularly in areas such as penalty corner execution, defensive organisation, and transition play. The competitive nature of the knockout stages further indicated that multiple teams are developing the capability to challenge for top honours.
For Uttar Pradesh, the title represents not just a single tournament victory but the success of a structured development system. Their ability to combine attacking flair with defensive discipline throughout the competition suggests a well-balanced squad capable of adapting to different match situations.
Madhya Pradesh, despite falling short in the final, also displayed strong credentials during the tournament. Their run to the final reflects a growing competitive edge and the presence of players capable of performing at a high level.
As the 16th edition of the Sub Junior Men National Championship concludes, Uttar Pradesh Hockey’s dominant campaign stands out as a benchmark performance. Their consistency, efficiency in front of goal, and composure in key moments ultimately defined their success.
More broadly, the tournament reinforced the importance of such national competitions in shaping the future of Indian hockey. With young players gaining exposure to high-pressure matches and competitive environments, the pathway to the senior level continues to strengthen, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent for the years ahead.
