Dramatic Semi-finals Propel Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand to Junior Women's Hockey Championship Final

Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand advanced to the finals of the 14th Hockey India Junior Women's National Championship 2024 after thrilling semi-final victories. Madhya Pradesh won against Odisha in a shootout, while Jharkhand secured a 2-1 victory over Haryana. Earlier, both teams also triumphed in their respective quarter-final matches.

Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand will face off in the final of the 14th Hockey India Junior Women's National Championship 2024, following gripping victories in the semi-finals held in Ranchi. Madhya Pradesh narrowly defeated Odisha, clinching a spot in the final after a 1-1 draw that led to a dramatic 5-4 win in a penalty shootout. The match saw Odisha's Bahala Surekha scoring early, but a last-minute equalizer by Patel Sneha forced the match into penalties. In the tense shootout, Katariya Khushi, Kajal, and Huda Khan secured the win for Madhya Pradesh with decisive goals, while goalkeeper Krisha Parihar made a crucial save.

Hockey Jharkhand emerged victorious in their semi-final match against Hockey Haryana with a 2-1 triumph. Early goals from Roshni Aind and Parwati Topno put Jharkhand in a commanding position. Although Haryana's Captain Nandni managed to halve the deficit late in the game, her team's efforts weren't enough to alter the outcome. Both Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand showcased their prowess in earlier rounds, with Madhya Pradesh beating Uttar Pradesh 2-0 thanks to Captain Bhumiksha Sahu's double, and Jharkhand overpowering Maharashtra 3-0 with a hattrick from Dungdung Sweety.

Additional quarter-final action saw Haryana overcome Punjab 3-1, with key goals from Pooja Malik and Khasa Shashi, while Odisha outclassed Chhattisgarh 5-1, overturning an initial deficit with strikes from Tanuja Toppo and Kujur Rambha. This set the stage for an electrifying conclusion to the championship as Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand prepare to clash for the title.

(With inputs from agencies.)