Haryana Beat Jharkhand 2-1 to Clinch Junior Women National Championship Title

Hockey Haryana were crowned champions at the 16th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship 2026, defeating Hockey Jharkhand 2-1 in a closely contested final at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium near Pune on Sunday. Hockey Madhya Pradesh secured third place with a 3-1 victory over Chhattisgarh Hockey in the bronze-medal playoff.

The title capped an impressive campaign for Haryana, who combined attacking firepower with defensive solidity throughout the tournament. Led by captain Shashi Khasa and coached by Azad Singh Malik, Haryana began with a commanding 10-1 win over Hockey Bengal before defeating the Hockey Association of Odisha 3-0. They then overcame Hockey Chandigarh 3-1 in the quarter-final and stormed past Chhattisgarh Hockey 8-0 in the semi-final.

Haryana entered the final in formidable form, having scored 24 goals and conceded only two across their four matches before the title clash. Their semi-final demolition of Chhattisgarh was particularly notable, with captain Shashi Khasa scoring a hat-trick as Haryana booked their place in the final.

Jharkhand, however, provided a much tougher challenge in the decider. Mundri Saroj put Jharkhand ahead in the 19th minute, but Haryana responded quickly through Bhavya, who converted a penalty corner in the 23rd minute to level the contest. The teams remained locked at 1-1 at half-time, while neither side could find the net in the third quarter.

Haryana eventually completed the comeback in the 42nd minute when Khushi scored the decisive goal. Jharkhand pushed forward in the closing stages searching for an equaliser, but Haryana's defence held firm to protect the 2-1 advantage and secure the championship.

Jharkhand had themselves enjoyed a resilient run to the final, defeating Hockey Chandigarh 6-0 and Hockey Punjab 3-1 before winning successive knockout shootouts against Odisha and Madhya Pradesh after 1-1 draws. Their ability to handle pressure ensured the final was a genuine contest despite Haryana's dominant run earlier in the tournament.

In the third-place match, Madhya Pradesh defeated Chhattisgarh 3-1. Kajal scored twice in the 35th and 37th minutes before Tanvi added another in the 42nd. Chhattisgarh pulled one back through Yadav Sheetal in the 54th minute, but Madhya Pradesh held on to claim the bronze medal.