Pioneer News Service
Pune/Ranchi
Hockey Jharkhand continued its impressive run in the 16th Hockey India National Junior Women Hockey Championship 2026, defeating Hockey Association of Odisha 4–3 in a penalty shootout to storm into the semi-finals for the 14th consecutive time.
The championship is being held in Pune, Maharashtra, from August 12 to 23.
The quarter-final between the neighbouring states was a closely fought contest. Odisha took the lead in the 24th minute with a field goal and went into the half-time break 1–0 ahead.
Hockey Jharkhand came back strongly after the interval, with captain Rajni Kerketta converting a penalty corner in the 33rd minute to level the score at 1–1. Both sides then battled hard for the decisive goal, but neither could find the breakthrough in regulation time, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.
Jharkhand held its nerve in the shootout to secure a 4–3 victory. Salomi Nag, Anupriya Soreng, Sweety Dungdung and captain Rajni Kerketta converted their attempts for Jharkhand.
Goalkeeper Gangi Barla played a crucial role in the victory, making two important saves during the shootout to deny Odisha and help her team seal a place in the last four.
Rajni Kerketta was Jharkhand’s only scorer during regulation time, while Sangeeta Kumari was adjudged Player of the Match for her outstanding performance in the quarter-final.
Hockey Jharkhand had earlier begun its campaign with convincing victories over Hockey Chandigarh and Hockey Punjab, winning 6–0 and 3–1 respectively.
The team’s continued success has drawn appreciation from officials of Hockey Jharkhand and the state Sports Department, who congratulated the players and coaching staff on reaching the semi-finals and wished them success in their next match.
