Commanding Wins Mark Day 2 of 15th Hockey India Sub Junior Men’s National Championship
Rourkela, Odisha: Day 2 of the 15th Hockey India Sub Junior Men’s National Championship witnessed a series of commanding performances across Divisions B and C, as young players from Jammu & Kashmir, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Bengal, Gujarat, and Kerala made a strong statement with their skill, discipline, and determination.
The action-packed Tuesday at the iconic Birsamunda Hockey Stadium drew fans and selectors alike, with eyes fixed on rising stars of Indian hockey. Here's a detailed roundup of all the matches and what they signify for the road ahead in the tournament.
Jammu & Kashmir Snatch Narrow Win Over Puducherry
In the opening match of the day, Jammu & Kashmir pulled off a gritty 1–0 win against Le Puducherry Hockey in a tightly contested Pool A clash of Division ‘C’. The match remained goalless for three quarters, with both teams showcasing structured defenses.
However, in the 53rd minute, J&K captain Prabvir Singh Bali broke the deadlock with a clean strike that beat the Puducherry goalkeeper, ensuring three crucial points for his side.
“It was a tough match, and we knew we had to be patient,” said Prabvir after the game. “Scoring the winning goal for my team is a proud moment.”
Hockey Bihar Dismantles Tripura with 19-Goal Blitz
The second match witnessed one of the most dominant performances of the championship so far. Hockey Association of Bihar crushed Tripura 19–0 in Pool B of Division ‘C’, sending a strong message to their rivals.
Deepu Vishwakarma (3’) opened the scoring early, followed by hat-tricks from Satyam Kumar Pande (5’, 40’, 60’) and Amritanshu Pandey (36’, 42’, 43’, 47’). Other scorers included Raj Pandey, Nikhil Navin Kumar, Laksh Kumar, Suman Kumar, Chhotu Kumar, and Ranjan Ashish.
“Our focus was to maintain momentum from the start,” said head coach Vijay Shankar. “The boys executed the plan perfectly. We’re not here just to participate, but to win.”
Uttarakhand Outclasses Mizoram in 5–1 Victory
In the third fixture, Hockey Uttarakhand outplayed Hockey Mizoram with a convincing 5–1 win in Pool B of Division ‘C’. Captain Sarthak Mahar (18’) led from the front, while Vikash Kashyap, Saurav Tamta, Ankit, and Manish Singh Kunwar contributed to the scoreline.
Though Mizoram’s captain Joseph Malsawmtluanga scored in the 50th minute, it came too late to change the course of the match.
“It was a complete team effort,” said Uttarakhand’s coach Rajeev Mehra. “This win boosts our confidence for the next rounds.”
Hockey Bengal Triumphs Over Arunachal With Tactical Play
In Division ‘B’, Pool A, Hockey Bengal demonstrated clinical discipline to defeat Hockey Arunachal 2–0. The game saw a cautious first half, but Munna Kumar Singh (37’) broke the deadlock shortly after halftime.
Skipper Suvam Patra (56’) sealed the win with a well-timed goal in the final quarter, reflecting Bengal’s ability to capitalize under pressure.
Gujarat Edges Chhattisgarh in Close Contest
The fifth match was a thrilling encounter as Hockey Gujarat overcame Chhattisgarh Hockey 2–1 in a Pool B, Division ‘B’ game. Gujarat’s Alpeshbhai Vala scored a brace (23’, 36’), showcasing his calm under pressure.
Aadrsh Raj Singh pulled one back for Chhattisgarh in the 50th minute, but Gujarat’s defense held firm in the closing stages.
Kerala Hockey Outshines Himachal With 6–1 Win
Kerala Hockey delivered one of the most clinical performances of the day, beating Hockey Himachal 6–1 in Division ‘B’, Pool B. With six different goal scorers, Kerala showcased depth and attacking intent.
Rohit Baxla (26’, 36’), Nidhin T, Raju Bangari, and Aman Kishor Lakra found the net, while Shivansh managed Himachal’s lone goal.
“We’ve worked hard on finishing and movement, and it showed today,” said Kerala coach Anish Nair.
Upcoming: Manipur Hockey vs. Andhra Pradesh Clash Awaits
The day will conclude with an exciting match between Manipur Hockey and Hockey Andhra Pradesh, expected to be a high-paced fixture with both teams eager to climb the pool rankings.
About the Championship
The Hockey India Sub Junior Men’s National Championship is one of the country’s most prestigious platforms for discovering young hockey talent. Organized annually, the 2025 edition—being held at the newly revamped Birsamunda Stadium in Rourkela—features teams divided across Divisions A, B, and C based on prior rankings.
The tournament not only determines the top-performing state teams but also serves as a scouting ground for Hockey India to identify players for the national camp.
Implications and What Lies Ahead
With early wins, teams like Bihar and Kerala have gained not just points but also a psychological edge. While Bihar’s massive win will boost their goal difference, Kerala’s balanced play hints at strong coaching and player development.
These performances on Day 2 suggest a shift in regional hockey powerhouses, with non-traditional states like Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir rising steadily.
As the championship progresses, fans and analysts are closely watching Pool B and Pool C for unexpected turns. The next few matchdays will be crucial for teams to cement semi-final berths.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The second day of the 15th Hockey India Sub Junior Men’s National Championship 2025 has delivered not just results but also a glimpse into the future of Indian hockey. With raw talent, tactical evolution, and growing regional representation, the tournament is proving to be a vital pulse check for grassroots hockey in India.
As momentum builds, TheTrendingPeople.com will continue to bring in-depth coverage and insights from the field. Stay tuned as the young stars of tomorrow battle it out for national glory.