The 4th Hockey India Sub-Junior Women Academy Championship 2026 commenced in Gwalior on Sunday with contrasting results in Pool B. R K Roy Hockey Academy secured a dominant victory, while Sports Hockey Academy of Khalsa’s Kolkata and Raja Karan Hockey Academy settled for a draw. The tournament, spanning nine days and featuring 15 academies across four pools, will conclude on August 3, with the top team from each group advancing to the semi-finals.
In the opening match, Sports Hockey Academy of Khalsa’s Kolkata and Raja Karan Hockey Academy engaged in a closely contested battle. Soumi Majhi scored a field goal in the 47th minute for the Kolkata academy, taking the lead. However, Riya of Raja Karan Hockey Academy equalized with a field goal in the 51st minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw for both teams. The day’s second match saw R K Roy Hockey Academy outclass Mumbai Schools Sports Association with a 4-0 victory.
Sonakshi Kumari shone with two goals from penalty corners in the 8th and 33rd minutes, leading R K Roy Hockey Academy to success. Captain Shivani Kumari contributed with a field goal in the 27th minute, followed by Kritika Kumari’s field goal in the 42nd minute, securing a comprehensive win for R K Roy Hockey Academy. This victory placed them in an early advantageous position in the Pool B standings.
The championship has brought together 15 academies from different parts of the country, divided into four pools. Each pool will witness round-robin league matches, with three points awarded for a win and one for a draw. Only the group winners will progress to the semi-finals, scheduled for August 2, followed by the third-place playoff and final on August 3. The tournament will resume on Monday with the commencement of Pool C and Pool D fixtures, as the remaining academies vie for the Sub-Junior Women Academy Championship title.
