Hockey Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Chandigarh, UP Triumph on Day 1 of Junior Women's Championship 2024

The 14th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship 2024 in Ranchi commenced with dynamic victories for Hockey Maharashtra, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. Hockey Maharashtra triumphed over Dadra & Nagar Haveli 8-0, while Hockey Jammu & Kashmir forfeited their match to Hockey Punjab.

The opening day of the 14th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship 2024 in Ranchi showcased exhilarating matches. Hockey Maharashtra, Hockey Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh Hockey, and Hockey Jharkhand emerged victorious in their respective fixtures. The match between Hockey Punjab and Hockey Jammu & Kashmir was officially forfeited in favor of Hockey Punjab.

Hockey Maharashtra dominated their first match, defeating Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Hockey with an 8-0 scoreline in Pool G. Tanushree Dinesh Kadu (28', 37', 58') scored a hattrick, while Sanika Chandrakant Mane (3', 36') and Diksha Nitin Shinde (22', 39') netted two goals each. Nikku Gurjar (48') added another goal to further extend their lead.

In another compelling encounter, Hockey Chandigarh clinched a 3-0 victory over Hockey Arunachal. Damanpreet Kaur (42', 52') scored twice, complemented by Manpreet Kaur's (10') early goal. Uttar Pradesh Hockey delivered a strong performance, winning 9-0 against Hockey Gujarat. Purnima Yadav (3', 24', 42', 53') scored in each quarter, while Khushi Rathour (19', 28') added two goals and Captain Suneeta Kumari (11'), Vandana Patel (15'), and Garima Maurya (46') each scored once.

In a commanding display, Hockey Jharkhand overwhelmed Hockey Rajasthan 21-0. Shanti Kumari (13', 17', 50', 51', 54', 57') was the top scorer with six goals. Rajni Kerketta (3', 20', 25', 49') netted four goals, and Sweety Dungdung (7', 7', 11') along with Roshni Aind (14', 40', 47') each scored a hattrick. Purnima Bawa (24', 34') and Captain Edlin Bage (45', 52') scored braces, while Sisliya Sandi Purty (26') contributed one goal. The match in Pool F between Hockey Punjab and Hockey Jammu & Kashmir ended in favor of Hockey Punjab due to a forfeit, with a 5-0 scoreline.

(With inputs from agencies.)