Jharkhand win junior women’s hockey title

Jharkhand defeated Madhya Pradesh 2-1 in the final to win the 16th Hockey India Sub-Junior Women’s National Championship 2026, securing their third consecutive title at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda International Hockey Stadium here on Sunday.

Hockey India in association with the state sports department and Hockey Jharkhand, organised the tournament from April 1 to 12.

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In a closely contested final, Sugan Sanga and Sevani Kerketta scored one goal each for Jharkhand, while Nammi Geetashree netted the lone goal for Madhya Pradesh.

Earlier, Odisha defeated Uttar Pradesh 4-2 in the third-place match. Priyanka Minj scored two goals, while Princess Priya Ekka and Anjana Kujur added one each. Arkita Kumari and Mamta Kumari scored for Uttar Pradesh.

With this win, Jharkhand also extended its record of consistent podium finishes, securing a medal for the eighth consecutive time in the tournament.

Naushin Naz of Madhya Pradesh emerged as the tournament’s top scorer with nine goals. Khilli Kumari of Jharkhand was named best goalkeeper, while Preeti Bilung was adjudged best defender.

Priyanka Minj of Odisha was named best forward, and Sweety Kujur of Odisha was declared the emerging player of the tournament.

The awards were presented in the presence of state sports department director Asif Ekram, Hockey India officials, and former India women’s hockey captain Rani Rampal, among others.

Officials of Hockey Jharkhand announced a cash reward of Rs 2 lakh for the winning team.

The tournament saw participation from teams across the country and concluded with a competitive display of emerging talent in women’s hockey.