SAI Shakti Triumphs, Claims Gold in 2nd Khelo India Sub Junior Women’s Hockey League Finals

Lucknow: In a captivating showdown at the Padma Mohammad Shahid Synthetic Hockey Stadium, SAI Shakti emerged victorious, defeating Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre 3-2 to clinch the gold medal in the 2nd Khelo India Sub Junior Women’s Hockey League Finals. Simultaneously, SAI Bal secured the bronze medal by overpowering Pritam Siwach Hockey Academy 5-1 in the third-place match.

The exhilarating final match witnessed an intense battle between SAI Shakti and Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre. Khushi’s stellar performance with a brace (13’, 20’) provided SAI Shakti with an early lead. Although Neharika Toppo (39’) narrowed the margin for Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre with a penalty stroke, Karuna (45’) extended SAI Shakti’s lead with a well-converted penalty corner. Despite a late surge from Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre’s Captain Sweety Kujur (57’), SAI Shakti held firm to secure the victory with a final score of 3-2.

Meanwhile, in the clash for the bronze medal, SAI Bal dominated the field against Pritam Siwach Hockey Academy with a commanding 5-1 triumph. Sukarmani Mundu’s early brace (4’, 8’) set the tone for SAI Bal’s victory, while Lalpeksangi (20’), Shanti Horo (53’), and Laltlanchhungi (56’) contributed with a goal each. Pritam Siwach Hockey Academy’s lone goal came from Diya (57’).

In other matches, Khelo India State Excellence Centre, Bilaspur secured fifth place by defeating HAR Hockey Academy 2-1, with Madhu Sidar’s brace (20’, 27’) making the difference. Additionally, Jai Bharat Hockey Academy emerged victorious against Raja Karan Hockey Academy in the 7th/8th classification match, with a convincing 5-0 win, led by braces from Tamanna (18’, 54’) and Nisha Saini (19’, 47’), along with a goal from Captain Annu (44’).