Delhi, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir start strong on opening day in Ranchi
Punjab Newsline,Sports:
The 16th Hockey India Sub Junior Women National Championship 2026 commenced in Ranchi, Jharkhand, with an action-packed opening day that saw several teams register important victories across different divisions. Teams including Delhi, Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir began their campaigns on a winning note.
In Division ‘B’ Pool A, Delhi Hockey secured a 2-0 victory over Hockey Bengal, with captain Dipika scoring in the 59th minute and Bhawna adding another goal in the final minute. In the same pool, Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu Hockey edged past Assam Hockey 4-3 in a closely fought match. Shraddha Verma, Arpita Maurya, Manshi Yadav, and Anushka Gupta scored for the winning side, while Assam’s Bhumika Devi, Chayanika Kalita, and Jyoshna Ekka found the net.
In Division ‘B’ Pool B, Hockey Chandigarh defeated Hockey Karnataka 2-1, with goals from captain Aanchal and Kafi. Hockey Uttarakhand also delivered a strong performance, defeating Hockey Himachal 6-3. Kareena led the scoring with a hat-trick, while Devyani Joshi added two goals and Katariya Gungun contributed one.
Meanwhile, in Division ‘C’ Pool B, Hockey Jammu and Kashmir registered a narrow 3-2 win over Le Puducherry Hockey. Akshara Dutta scored twice, supported by a goal from Mauki.
The tournament will continue until April 12, featuring 29 teams across three divisions. Matches are being held at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium, with a promotion and relegation system adding competitiveness to the championship. Division ‘A’ matches will determine the title winner, while top teams from lower divisions will earn promotion.