RAJGIR
The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion at the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior National Championship in Bihar. After a series of intense semi-finals, Hockey Madhya Pradesh has emerged as the dominant force, securing a spot in both the men’s and women’s gold medal matches.
In the men’s division, Madhya Pradesh will face off against a powerhouse Uttar Pradesh team. Both sides enter the final undefeated. Madhya Pradesh earned their place by defeating Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu 4-2, while Uttar Pradesh made a massive statement by dethroning last year’s champions, Punjab, with a 6-2 victory. Uttar Pradesh boasts the tournament’s most lethal attackers, including top scorer Shahrukh Ali, who has netted 14 goals.
On the women’s side, the final features a clash between the two highest-scoring teams in the competition. Defending champions Hockey Jharkhand will defend their title against a surging Madhya Pradesh squad. Jharkhand reached the final after a steady 2-0 win over Uttar Pradesh, while Madhya Pradesh narrowly beat Odisha 2-1. Fans are eager to see a battle between the top goal-scorers, with Madhya Pradesh’s Nousheen Naz leading the pack with nine goals.
As the tournament concludes at Rajgir Hockey Stadium, the third-place matches will also provide plenty of excitement. While individual stars have shone, the coaches emphasize that team discipline will decide the champions. With history and national pride on the line, the next matches promise to showcase the very best of India’s rising hockey talent.