BHUBANESWAR: SAI-Academy and Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre stormed into the Final of the 1st Hockey India Sub Junior Women Academy National Championship 2021 with remarkable victories here in Bhubaneswar today..
In the first semi-final, SAI-Academy held their nerves to register a thrilling 4-3 win in the shootout against Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy, following a hard-fought 2-2 draw in the regulation time. SAI-Academy's two goalscorers of the nail-biting contest were Kirti (41') and Captain Sonam (57') who led their team's fightback after their opponents Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy had taken the lead twice through a brace from their skipper Bhumiksha Sahu (9', 49').
In the second semi-final, the hosts Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre romped to a clinical 8-0 win against Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Academy and booked their place in the Final of the inaugural edition of the tournament. Ashima Rout (3', 41', 48', 54') grabbed four goals, while Captain Munmuni Das (9', 26') scored two goals. Babyrani Sandam (44') and Priya Toppo (52') scored a goal each to help the team continue their unbeaten run in the tournament.
The 3rd/4th place match between Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy and Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Academy will begin at 4.30 p.m while both the unbeaten teams SAI- Academy and Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre square off against each other in the final 6.30 p.m