Rajgir, April 13 -- Hockey Jharkhand secured their third consecutive title at the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior Women's National Championship 2026, defeating Hockey Madhya Pradesh 2-1 in the Final.

Sandeepa Kumari emerged as one of the top performers for Jharkhand, finishing as the side's top scorer with five goals throughout the campaign, according to a press release.

Kumari was inspired to take up the sport in 2021 by her sister, and Indian Women's Hockey Team forward Sangita Kumari.

Speaking on the advice from her sister, Sandeepa said, "Before the match, she told me to play with my heart, stay focused throughout, and trust my abilities. She always reminds me to back my skills, stay confident in pressure situations and look to make a...