Bihar to meet Mizoram in the finals of the 6th Hockey India Sub-Junior Women National Championship 2016 (Division B)

Nagaon, Assam; 12^th January 2016: The penultimate day of the 6^th Hockey India Sub-Junior Women National Championship (Division B) came to an exciting end setting the course for the final day proceedings tomorrow. The yearly tournament aimed at grass root development for the sport, organised by Hockey India – the apex body governing the sport in India, is being hosted in Nagaon, Assam. The nine day long tournament being played from 5^th – 13^th January 2016, will see the winners clash taking place tomorrow evening between Hockey Bihar and Hockey Mizoram. The third place clash between Bengal Hockey Association and Hockey Madhya Pradesh will be played tomorrow afternoon at Nagaon, Assam.

The first match saw Hockey Bihar defeating Bengal Hockey Association 5-0. The match started on a slow pace, with both the teams playing a careful game. It was in the 20^th minute when Amrita Kumari found the gap to score and help Hockey Bihar edge past Bengal Hockey Association, gaining the much needed lead in the semi- final clash. Bengal tried catching up but the first half came to a close with Bihar having a goal’s lead.

The second half saw Bihar in an attacking mode as struck within three minutes to a Penalty Corner which was beautifully converted by Captain Neha Kumari. Bihar followed this up three more consecutive field goals in the 58^th, 62^nd and 69^th minute, through Kajal Lakra (58; 62) and Ritika Soren respectively.

The second semi-final between Hockey Mizoram and Hockey Madhya Pradesh saw a similar one sided closure where the former made way to the finals with a 4-0 win. Mizoram kick-started their semi-final campaign on an aggressive note striking their first goal in the 6^th minute through Lalremsiami. Hockey Mizoram did not slow down there after striking again through no.6, Lalremsiami in the 16^th minute to take a 2-0 lead over a low key Hockey Madhya Pradesh. The first half saw Mizoram maintain their lead without any problems. The second half saw some action from Hockey Madhya Pradesh who held the Mizoram attack very well for the first few minutes, but their hopes were soon shattered as Mizoram penetrated into their defence to be awarded a penalty corner, which was duly converted by F. Lalawmpuii in the 42^nd minute giving them a 3-0 lead. Hockey Mizoram struck their fourth goal through Lalrinpuii to seal their finals berth against Hockey Bihar.