(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Hockey Punjab Clinches 15th Hockey India Sub Junior Men National Championship Title
Chennai, 8 August 2025 –
Hockey Punjab emerged as the champions of the 15th Hockey India Sub Junior Men National Championship 2025 (Division A) after a thrilling 4-3 victory over Hockey Jharkhand in the final.
The championship’s final day saw impressive performances from both Hockey Punjab and Uttar Pradesh Hockey, with Punjab lifting the title and UP securing the bronze medal.
Bronze Medal Match
In the first match of the day, Uttar Pradesh Hockey staged a remarkable comeback to beat Hockey Madhya Pradesh 5-3. Madhya Pradesh started strong, taking a 2-0 lead in the first half with goals from Aashir Aadil Khan (13′) and Karan Gautam (20′). However, UP turned the tables in the final two quarters, led by a sensational hat-trick from Ali Shahrukh (42′, 47′, 51′) and goals from Mohd Atif Raynee (40′) and Prahalad Rajbhar (55′). Meezan Ur Rehman (58′) added a late goal for Madhya Pradesh, but UP held on to claim the bronze.
The Grand Finale
The title clash between Hockey Punjab and Hockey Jharkhand kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Jharkhand took an early second-quarter lead with strikes from Ashish Tani Purti (21′) and Anish Dungdung (24′). Punjab hit back immediately through Akshit Salaria (29′) and Varinder Singh (30′), making it 2-2 at halftime.
Jharkhand regained the advantage in the third quarter via Sukhu Guria (42′), but Punjab’s Mandeep Singh proved to be the game-changer, scoring twice (45′, 53′) to seal a 4-3 victory and the championship for Punjab.
With this win, Hockey Punjab not only claimed the prestigious national title but also showcased their depth of talent and resilience under pressure.
