Simdega (Jharkhand): Settled superpower in domestic hockey, Haryana, had to endure a great deal of resistance from the hosts Jharkhand to win the 11th Hockey India Sub Junior Women National Championship 2021. After the 60 minutes of play ended goalless the Haryana lases won the shoot out  4-3 for the glory.

Haryana Captain Nidhi starred in the shootout, denying Edlin Bage and Sweety Dungdung and Nisha Minj’s attempts on goal.

Ritika, Kanika Siwach, Manisha and Sakshi Rana scored in the shootout for Haryana.

Haryana coach Kuldeep Siwach, who played for the Indian Railways team, was full of praise for his side, who successfully defended the title.

“I am proud of the way my girls performed throughout the tournament. It was a close battle today. Hockey Jharkhand played very well and showed good fitness levels. Even when the match went to a shootout, I was confident that the girls could get the job done. 

“Our strike partnership of Kanika Siwach and Tamanna Yadav, who finished top scorers of the 11^th Hockey India Sub Junior Women National Championship 2021, was the key for us throughout the event. 

Jharkhand Subjr girls, silver at home Nationals 2021

Earlier in the day, Uttar Pradesh Hockey finished third in the 11^th Hockey India Sub Junior Women National Championship 2021 after edging out Hockey Odisha 3-1. Uttar Pradesh Hockey went ahead through Vandana Patel (15’) but Hockey Odisha equalised through Nisha Dadel (24’). Purnima Yadav’s (38’, 43’) double strike in the space of five minutes in the third quarter sealed Uttar Pradesh Hockey’s victory.