Pune, August 12: The 16th Hockey India Junior Women’s National Championship 2026 commenced on Wednesday at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium in Pune. On the opening day of the tournament, teams from Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand made a strong start with victories in their respective groups (Division B and C).
Organized by Hockey Maharashtra, the tournament began with an exciting series of matches in both Division B and C. Some of the top teams kicked off their campaigns with impressive wins.
In the Division B Pool A match, Hockey Rajasthan defeated Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu Hockey with a score of 7-3. Similarly, in the Division B Pool B match, Hockey Uttarakhand secured a remarkable 5-0 victory over Goans Hockey.
In the Division C Pool B match, Hockey Jammu and Kashmir triumphed over Hockey Gujarat with a score of 4-1.
In Division C Pool A, Hockey Rajasthan again showcased their strength with a 7-3 win against Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu Hockey. By halftime, Rajasthan was leading 3-1 and continued their aggressive gameplay in the second half. Mahawar Gayatri scored two goals in the 18th and 58th minutes, while Ruchi Gupta netted two goals in the 22nd and 47th minutes.
Kanwar Pushpa scored in the 22nd and 42nd minutes, and Lamoria Shalini added another goal in the 37th minute. For Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu Hockey, Nandnibeen Nandubhai Dulsda, Rashmi Raikwar, and Anjali each scored one goal.
In Division C Pool B, Hockey Jammu and Kashmir secured a 4-1 victory over Hockey Gujarat. Sonali Devi opened the scoring just two minutes into the match, and Samina Akhtar doubled the lead in the 27th minute.
Kiran Bihari converted two penalty corners into goals in the 38th and 54th minutes to ensure the win. Gujarat’s only goal came from Janvi Barai in the 51st minute. By halftime, Jammu and Kashmir was leading 2-0.
In another Division B Pool A match, Hockey Andhra Pradesh defeated Kerala Hockey in a thrilling contest, ending 3-2. Andhra Pradesh took an early lead in the seventh minute with a goal from Srividya Tirumalasetty, but Jyoti Jaksaa equalized for Kerala in the 26th minute.
Srividya regained the lead for Andhra Pradesh in the 40th minute, and Pujari Madhurima Bai doubled the advantage in the 50th minute. Abhay Jyoti A.S scored for Kerala Hockey in the same minute.
Hockey Mizoram showcased excellent performance in another Division B Pool A match, defeating Assam Hockey 6-2. Mizoram led 2-1 at halftime and continued their aggressive play after the break. Jothanmawi was the standout player, completing a hat-trick with goals in the 33rd, 52nd, and 55th minutes.
Laltalanchungi, Loisi Laltanpui, and Anjana Jaksaa also found the net. For Assam, Sunita Romoni scored in the 21st and 40th minutes.
In Division B Pool B, Hockey Uttarakhand achieved a stunning 5-0 victory over Goans Hockey. Ryan Kahkashan Ali and Aarti scored in the first half, giving Uttarakhand a 2-0 lead at halftime.
Uttarakhand maintained their dominance in the second half; Ryan Kahkashan Ali scored his second goal in the 46th minute, followed by Aarti, who netted her second goal in the 50th minute. Diksha completed the scoring with a penalty corner goal in the 42nd minute.
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