The opening day of the 16th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship 2026 witnessed exciting action across Divisions ‘B’ and ‘C’ in Pune, Maharashtra, with Hockey Rajasthan, Hockey Jammu & Kashmir and Hockey Mizoram registering impressive victories in their respective matches.
In a Division ‘C’, Pool A encounter, Hockey Rajasthan defeated Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Hockey 7-3 in an entertaining high-scoring contest. Mahavar Gayatri (18’, 58’) and Ruchi Gupta (C) (22’, 47’) scored braces for Hockey Rajasthan, while Kanwar Pushpa (22’, 41’) also found the net twice. Lamoria Salini (37’) completed the scoring for the winners. For Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Hockey, Nandniben Nandubhai Dulsada (10’), Rashmi Raikwar (35’) and Anjali (50’) scored one goal each.
In another Division ‘C’, Pool B match, Hockey Jammu & Kashmir registered a 4-1 victory over Hockey Gujarat. Devi Sonali (2’) opened the scoring early for Jammu & Kashmir before AKHTER Samina (27’) doubled the advantage. Bihari Kiran then scored twice (38’, 54’) to complete an impressive individual performance. Hockey Gujarat’s lone goal was scored by BARAI Janvi (51’).
Meanwhile, Hockey Arunachal secured a 5-0 victory by forfeit over the Tripura Olympic Association in a Division ‘C’, Pool A match. In Division ‘C’, Pool B, Le Puducherry Hockey also registered a 5-0 victory by forfeit over Telangana Hockey.
The Division ‘B’ action also produced several competitive encounters. In Pool A, Hockey Andhra Pradesh edged past Kerala Hockey 3-2. Sreevidya Thirumalasetty (C) scored twice (7’, 40’) for Andhra Pradesh, while Pujari Madhurima Bai (50’) added the third. Kerala Hockey’s goals came from Jyoti Xaxa (26’) and Abhay Jyothi A S (50’).
In another Division ‘B’, Pool A encounter, Hockey Mizoram defeated Assam Hockey 6-2. Laltlanchhungi (C) (2’) and Loicy Laltanpuii (9’) gave Mizoram an early advantage, before Zothanmawii completed a hat-trick with goals in the 33rd, 52nd and 55th minutes. Anjana Xaxa (37’) also found the net for Mizoram. Assam Hockey’s two goals were scored by Romoni Sunita (21’, 40’).
In Division ‘B’, Pool B, Hockey Uttarakhand registered a commanding 5-0 win over Goans Hockey. Raeen Kehkasha Ali (C) scored twice (6’, 46’), as did Aarti (24’, 50’), while Diksha (42’) added one goal to complete the victory.
In the final Division ‘B’, Pool B fixture, Hockey Karnataka defeated Hockey Bihar 2-1. Lakshmi (43’) and Pearlin Ponnamma A.G (50’) scored for Karnataka, while Sidhi Kumari (17’) was the lone goalscorer for Bihar.