Hockey Jharkhand Crowned Champions of 15th Sub-Junior Women’s National Championship 2025
Image via IANS
Ranchi, Jharkhand: Hockey Jharkhand were crowned champions of the 15th Hockey India Sub-Junior Women’s National Championship 2025 – Division ‘A’ after a solid 1-0 win against Hockey Association of Odisha in the final, played at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh AstroTurf Hockey Stadium on Monday.
The host team triumphed in front of their home supporters, lifting the trophy on home soil thanks to a 27th-minute goal by Jirn Soy Munda — the only score in a tense final match dominated by strong defensive displays from both sides.
Bronze Goes to Hockey Haryana After Shootout Thriller
Earlier in the day, Hockey Haryana clinched the bronze medal in a dramatic 3rd/4th position match against Hockey Mizoram, which ended 3-3 in regulation time before being decided in a 5-4 shootout win for Haryana.
K. Vanlalpeki opened the scoring for Mizoram in the 9th minute, but Captain Bhavya, Durga, and Manjinder responded quickly to give Haryana a commanding 3-1 lead by the 30th minute.
Mizoram mounted a thrilling comeback in the dying moments of the match. Laldinpuli scored two stunning goals in the final minute (both in the 60th minute), tying the game at 3-3 and forcing a shootout.
The penalty shootout saw flawless finishes from Hockey Haryana’s Bhavya, Manjinder, Neeshu, Radhika, and Harshita. In contrast, Mizoram’s shooters Laldinpuli, K. Vanlalpeki, C. Lalruatsiami, and Lalnunfeli scored four times but missed once — giving Haryana a narrow victory.
Goalkeeper Saina emerged as the hero for Haryana with a critical save in the shootout that sealed the third-place finish.
Final Results Summary:
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Final: Hockey Jharkhand 1-0 Hockey Association of Odisha
- Goal: Jirn Soy Munda (27’)
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3rd/4th Place Match: Hockey Haryana 3-3 Hockey Mizoram (SO 5-4)
- Goals for Haryana: Bhavya (19’), Durga (27’), Manjinder (30’)
- Goals for Mizoram: K. Vanlalpeki (9’), Laldinpuli (60’, 60’)
Our Final Thoughts
Hockey Jharkhand’s triumph in front of home fans symbolizes the rise of grassroots talent in Indian hockey. Meanwhile, Hockey Haryana and Mizoram showcased immense character, particularly in a nail-biting bronze medal match. This championship has not only highlighted the depth of India’s young women athletes but also set the stage for a promising future in the national sport.