Thrilling Rivals in Ranchi
The second day of the 15th Hockey India Sub-Junior Women National Championship unfolded with high-octane hockey at Ranchi’s Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Stadium, as Himachal Pradesh and Assam delivered scintillating performances, thrilling fans and setting the tone for the competition.
Himachal’s Crushing Victory
Hockey Himachal dominated their Division C clash, blanking Le Puducherry Hockey 9–0. Sonam spearheaded the charge with a hat-trick, delivering goals in the 35th, 37th, and 45th minutes. Captain Navneet Kaur struck twice (32′, 44′), while Shanvi Sharma added another brace (3′, 33′). Tanisha and Kashish Chauhan also contributed goals in the 5th and 49th minutes respectively, completing a resounding win.
Assam Hold Their Nerve
In a fiercely contested Division C match, Assam Hockey edged out Jammu & Kashmir 3–2. Jyoshna Ekka found the net twice (27′, 39′) and was joined by a strike from captain Roshni Burh in the 38th minute. Despite Akshra Dutta’s brace for J&K (40′, 53′), Assam held on for a dramatic win.
Tactical Draw in Goan Showdown
Telangana and Goa played out a goalless draw, with both Division C squads refusing to yield in a tight defensive contest.
Division B: Teams in Form
The Day 2 Division B fixtures highlighted top-tier talent across states. Uttarakhand rallied past Karnataka 2–0, with Mukta and Gungun Katariya finding the back of the net. Manipur demolished Kerala 6–0; early momentum from Jerina Chongtham in the first quarter was amplified by strikes from Meikam Surviya Devi, Chanu Ngairangbam Langlen, and Huidrom Bidyaluxmi Devi. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu edged Gujarat 4–3 in a thrilling encounter, with Jovina Defny Mj scoring a brace, assisted by efforts from MJ Jonishadefny and S. Kowsica. Chhattisgarh rounded out the day with a confident 5–0 win over Bengal, powered by an opening brace and a hat-trick from Shyamlee Ray.
Himachal’s Offensive Masterclass
Himachal’s result stood out for its dominance, with nine goals from six different players. Their forward play was clinical, combining movement, pace, and finishing, all signs of a team ready to challenge higher-division sides.
Assam’s Grit and Determination
Assam’s narrow victory showcased a blend of defensive resilience and opportunistic attacking. The Jammu & Kashmir side staged a spirited comeback, but Assam’s composure sealed a hard-fought win, boosting morale and team confidence.
Divisions Fuel Hungry Aspirations
The tournament uses a promotion-relegation format, pitting emerging teams in Division C and B with hopes of climbing the ladder. Strong performances on early days can translate into fast promotion, raising the stakes for each side.
Ranchi as Hockey’s Heartland
Ranchi’s astroturf stadium continues to serve as a fertile ground for nurturing young talent. Day 1 highlighted Kerala, Karnataka, Gujarat, among others, while Day 2 showcased Himachal and Assam’s explosive potential.
Storylines to Watch
Will Himachal sustain their goal-scoring vow and perhaps earn promotion? Can Assam build on this success and challenge for top C‑division spots? Division B teams such as Manipur and Uttarakhand also seem poised to advance, though competition will intensify.
Beyond Results: Talent Pipeline
This championship is more than medals, it’s a scouting hotbed. National selectors closely watch stars like Sonam, Navneet Kaur, Jyoshna Ekka, Roshni Burh, and Jerina Chongtham. Their form here could lead to higher honours on Indian hockey’s elite stage.
What Lies Ahead
The tournament runs until July 14, culminating in quarter-finals, semis, and finals. With momentum building, each division promises high drama: tactical duels, emerging heroes, and rising rivalries.
Final Whistle
Day 2 in Ranchi proved memorable: Himachal and Assam turned heads with emphatic victories, while Division B action confirmed that India’s sub-junior women’s hockey pipeline is thriving. As the Championship advances, fans can expect more thrilling matches, rising stars, and the future of Indian hockey stepping onto the field.
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