Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh) [India], August 21 (HBTV): Hockey Haryana, Chhattisgarh Hockey, Hockey Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh Hockey advanced to the semifinals of the 15th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship – Division ‘A’ after winning their respective quarterfinal matches in Kakinada on Saturday.

In the opening quarterfinal, Hockey Haryana registered a 4-1 victory over Hockey Association of Odisha. Kajal (2’) gave Haryana an early lead, which was doubled by Supriya (27’). Captain Sashi Khasa (36’) added another in the third quarter. Although Amisha Ekka (47’) pulled one back for Odisha, Saavi (60’) sealed the win for Haryana.

In the second quarterfinal, Chhattisgarh Hockey edged past Hockey Madhya Pradesh 2-1 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Yashoda (2’) struck early for Chhattisgarh before Huda Khan (15’) equalised for Madhya Pradesh. With no further goals in open play, the match went to a shootout, where Chhattisgarh captain Rukhamani converted both her attempts to take her team into the semifinals.

Hockey Jharkhand defeated Hockey Punjab 3-1 in the third quarterfinal. Pawanpreet Kaur (6’) gave Punjab the lead via a penalty corner, but Sweety Dungdung (7’) equalised within a minute. Shanti Kumari (22’) and Roshni Aind (46’) then scored to secure Jharkhand’s win.

In the final quarterfinal, Uttar Pradesh Hockey beat Hockey Maharashtra 2-1. After a goalless first half, Sallu Pukhrambam (36’) opened the scoring for UP, only for Diksha Nitin Shinde (45’) to level the contest. Rashmi Patel (55’) struck the winner from a penalty corner to send UP into the semifinals.

(ANI)