Day 10 Results from Hockey India 7th Sub Junior National Hockey Championship 2017 (Women) & Division

Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, 21th January 2017: The penultimate day of the Hockey India 7th Sub Junior National Hockey Championship 2017 (Women) ‘A’ Division witnessed action-packed semifinals that kept the spectators entertained.

In the first semifinal of the day, Hockey Haryana showcased excellent form to beat Uttar Pradesh Hockey 5-1. Both teams began on a positive note, keeping up a tough defence to ensure goals didn’t come easy. With both teams struggling to beat each other’s defence, the first half ended in a stalemate. However, Hockey Haryana ensured they used the 10-minute break to bring in some variations that worked in their favour and resulted in the first goal being scored in 37th minute. Captain Reet set the game rolling for Hockey Haryana when she came back to score the second goal in 46th minute. With Reet’s double strike giving her team the much-needed lead, the team got rid of the initial jitters to play their natural game. Sharmila Devi added to the tally by successfully converting a penalty corner in the 51st minute. From 0-0 at half time, Hockey Haryana were now leading by three goals. Though Uttar Pradesh Hockey struck a fine field goal in the 61st minute, they couldn’t do much to stop the Haryana girls from scoring two more goals in the 67th and 69th minute via Sharmila Devi and Amandeep Kaur respectively to book their berth for the final.

In the second semifinal, Hockey Jharkhand showed class as they comfortably beat Hockey Chandigarh 5-0. Hockey Jharkhand ensured they got off to a good start with stunning goals by Sangita Kumari in the 2nd minute of play followed by a double goal by captain Deepika Soreng in the 6th and 12th minute, thus giving their team a 3-0 lead and putting pressure on their opponents. In the second half, Hockey Jharkhand further enhanced their chances of making the final by putting two goals past Hockey Chandigarh goalkeeper in the 58th and 70th minute through Rajni Kerketta and Beauty Dung Dung respectively.

On Sunday, 22 January, Hockey Haryana will take on Hockey Jharkhand in the final at 1600hrs while Uttar Pradesh Hockey will play against Hockey Chandigarh in the 3rd and 4th placing at 1400hrs.