Vikas pant

Hockey India Junior Women National: The stage is set for a thrilling summit clash between Hockey Jharkhand and Hockey Haryana in the 16th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship 2026, with both eyeing the coveted national title at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium near Pune on Sunday.

The championship, being held from August 12-23, has witnessed intense competition among leading junior women’s hockey teams from across India. After a hard-fought campaign, Hockey Jharkhand and Hockey Haryana have emerged as the two finalists who will battle in the final.

Jharkhand have produced a composed and determined run throughout. Led by captain Rajni Kerketta and coached by Vikas Pant, Jharkhand began with a 6-0 victory over Hockey Chandigarh, followed by a 3-1 win over Hockey Punjab.