Ranchi: Odisha outplayed Uttar Pradesh 4-2 in Ranchi on Sunday to claim bronze medal in the 16th Hockey India Sub-Junior Women’s National Championship.
Two goals by Priyanka Minz, and one each by Priya Princess Ekka and Archana Kujur helped Odisha race to a 4-0 lead within 27 minutes. Arika Kumari pulled one back just before half-time through a penalty stroke, and Mamta Kumari converted a penalty corner in the 58th time, but it was too little too late to deny Odisha a podium finish.
In the semifinal, Odisha suffered a heartbreaking 1-2 defeat at the hands of Madhya Pradesh. They scored first, but failed to hold on to the lead, as MP scored the winning goal with just over two minutes of play remaining in regulation time.
Hosts Jharkhand defended their title with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Madhya Pradesh in the final.
It was a flawless campaign by Jharkhand who lifted the trophy unbeaten. They topped Pool A with two wins, before registering 2-0 victories in the quarterfinal and semifinal against Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, respectively.
