Jharkhand ended up with the runner’s up trophy after being defeated by Haryana 3-4 in an exciting penalty shootout in the finals of the 11th Hockey India Sub Junior Women National Championship-2021 in Simdega on Thursday.
The first half ended goalless in a closely contested final. The deadlock continued in the second half with neither Haryana nor Jharkhand coming close to scoring. Haryana’s captain Nidhi thereafter starred in the shootout, denying Jharkhand’s trio—Edlin Bage, Sweety Dungdung, Nisha Minj’s attempts on goal.
Ritika, Kanika Siwach, Manisha and Sakshi Rana scored in the shootout for Haryana. Haryana coach Kuldeep Siwach was full of praise for his side for successfully defended the title. “I am proud of the way my girls performed throughout the tournament. It was a close battle today (Thursday). 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,” he said.
Ranchi University acting VC Kamini Kumar congratulates Haryana team members after the match. in Simdega on Thursday. Telegraph picture
“Our strike partnership of Kanika Siwach and Tamanna Yadav, who finished top scorers of the 11th Hockey India Sub Junior Women National Championship 2021, was the key for us throughout the event,” Siwach added. Earlier in the day, Uttar Pradesh finished third in the tournament by edging out Odisha 3-1.
Hockey Jharkhand president Bholanath Singh hailed the state team’s performance. “Winning or losing is part of the game but our girls have exhibited great spirit throughout the series. Today, they missed out by a slender margin but they still deserve the accolades for storming into the finals by winning all their matches,” he said thanking the state government and the local district administration for their support in organising the prestigious tournament in Simdega, known as the state's hockey cradle.
The Astroturf stadium in Simdega, which can accommodate 4,000 people, witnessed a massive turnout for the second consecutive day on Thursday in spite of the blazing sun.
Next month, Simdega is again set to host the junior national women’s championship from April 3 to 12.
