Opening Day Highlights: Rajasthan, J&K, Uttarakhand Lead in Junior Women’s Hockey

The 16th edition of the Hockey India Junior Women’s National Championship began on 12 August at Pune’s Major Dhyan Chand Stadium. Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand each secured victories in their groups, setting the tone for a competitive tournament.

Rajasthan’s 7‑3 triumph over Dadar‑Nagar Haveli & Daman‑Diu in Division B Pool A was followed by a 5‑0 demolition of Goa by Uttarakhand in Division B Pool B. In Division C, Jammu & Kashmir overcame Gujarat 4‑1 in Pool B, while Rajasthan repeated its 7‑3 win in Pool A against the same opposition.

Mahavir Gayatri and Ruchi Gupta each recorded a brace for Rajasthan, while Sonali Devi’s early strike and Simena Akhtar’s second goal gave Jammu & Kashmir a comfortable lead. The day also produced nail‑biting action, including Andhra Pradesh’s 3‑2 victory over Kerala and Mizoram’s 6‑2 win against Assam, highlighted by Jothanmavi’s hat‑trick.