KIYG Womens’ under-18 qualifiers: Haryana clinches trophy after beating MP in final

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], December 31 (ANI): Hockey Haryana won the Khelo India Youth Games 2022 (Women’s Under 18) Bhubaneswar on Friday by defeating Madhya Pradesh in the Final of the Qualifiers – Khelo India Youth Games 2022 (Women’s Under 18) Bhubaneswar, Odisha.The Hockey Association of Odisha stepped up to claim Third Place after beating Hockey Jharkhand.

The Final match between Hockey Haryana and Hockey Madhya Pradesh was won by Hockey Haryana 2-0. Pooja (42′) and Gurmail Kaur (51′) slotted in a goal each for Hockey Haryana to end the contest in their favour. “It is a different happiness that you feel when you see the results of the hard work that the team has put in to get here and the whole team performed well, as a well-oiled machine and I was glad that every player contributed to getting this win, which makes it even more special.

The team learned a lot from these qualifiers, and we plan to work on set plays and double our efforts in training in the hopes of winning the Khelo India Youth Games in Madhya Pradesh as well,” Hockey Haryana Coach Azad Singh Malik said as quoted by a Hockey India release.

The 3/4th place match between Hockey Jharkhand and Hockey Association of Odisha was a close encounter with Hockey Association of Odisha winning 2-1. Sanjna Horo (25′) scored for Hockey Jharkhand but the Hockey Association of Odisha came back with goals from Puja Sahoo (40′) and Sunelita Toppo (60′) to complete a thrilling comeback.

Hockey Haryana, Hockey Madhya Pradesh, Hockey Association of Odisha and Hockey Jharkhand have qualified for the Khelo India Youth Games to be held in Madhya Pradesh in 2023.

Awards List:
Best Goalkeeper: Kavita (Haryana)
Best Defender: Yogita Verma (Madhya Pradesh)
Best Midfielder: Manisha (Haryana)
Best Striker: Bhumshika Sahu (Madhya Pradesh).