Excitement builds in Rajgir as the Hockey India Sub-Junior National Championship 2026 hurtles toward its finale. Division A lineups are locked, with all eyes on Saturday’s showdowns at Rajgir Hockey Stadium.
Men’s semifinal highlights saw Madhya Pradesh outclass Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu 4-2, while Uttar Pradesh demolished Punjab 6-2 – last year’s titleholders. This final revives a dramatic third-place duel from 2025, won by UP. Shahrukh Ali’s 14 goals spearhead UP’s offense, with Nitish Yadav perfect on penalty corners. Dhiraj Pal’s five goals marked DNH & DD’s campaign.
Women’s action features Madhya Pradesh versus title defenders Jharkhand. MP edged Odisha 2-1; Jharkhand shut out UP 2-0. Both squads boast potent attacks – MP’s 18 goals, Jharkhand’s 19 – led by Nausheen Naaz (9) and Sandeep Kumari (5).
Third-place thrillers pit Odisha against UP (women) and DNH & DD against Punjab (men). This championship underscores emerging stars fueling India’s hockey future, with finals poised to deliver edge-of-seat drama and crowning new heroes in the sub-junior ranks.
