Hockey fans of Jharkhand rejoiced on Tuesday after the state team stormed into the semi-finals of the 11^th national junior women tournament in Simdega by thrashing Punjab 6-2.

Haryana and Chandigarh too sealed their semi-final slots by winning their respective matches during Tuesday's quarter final clashes.

Jharkhand’s Elina Dungdung led the charge by scoring three goals in the 31st, 47th and 52ndminutes. Rajni Kerketta smashed two goals in the 49th and 57th minutes while Deepika Soren scored in the 39th minute to take the team’s tally to 6.

Kamapreet Kaur and Harpreet Kaur scored a goal each for Punjab.

An elated Hockey Simdega President Manoj Konbegi maintained that Jharkhand had entered semi-finals of the tournament for the 10^th time in a row. “Jharkhand has won all their matches so far in a convincing manner. We are sure of clinching the championship trophy this time on our home ground,” he said, adding that he was expecting some of the state's players to be selected in the national junior squad based on their performance in this meet.

The tournament is being viewed with attention by a panel of Hockey India selectors as well as officials. “Three years back, Salima Tete earned her berth in the national team through this tournament itself. Later, she went on to cement her place in the senior squad and ultimately represented the country in this year’s Tokyo Olympics,” said Konbegi.

Hockey Jharkhand president Bholanath Singh also congratulated the team. “Jharkhand has always been regarded for its hockey talent and it is encouraging for all of us that all our teams are doing exceptionally well across all formats for last few years,” he opined.