SNBP All India U-16 Hockey: Ghumanhera Edge Past Sangrur; Odisha Naval Tata Grassroots Seal 6-0 Win

Pune, 1st October, 2025: Strong contenders Ghumanhera Academy and Odisha Naval Tata Grassroots made a strong start in their group campaign in the SNBP All India (Boys Under-16) Hockey Tournament at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Mhalunge-Balewadi

On Wednesday both Ghumanhera Academy and Odisha Naval Tata Grassroots scored contrasting wins in Group-B and Group-A respectively to earn full points. Ghumanhera Academy staged a comeback 3-2 win over Sangrur Hockey Academy, while Odisha Naval Tata Grassroots got past Republican S.C 6-0.

The match of the day was that of Ghumanhera Academy who rallied from a 0-2 deficit at half-time to pip Sangrur Hockey Academy 3-2. The Sangrur Hockey Academy began the game scoring twice, the first by a penalty-corner conversion by Ram Babu (9’) and later doubled the score when Yuvraj Singh (28’) scored off a field goal.

In the second half, Ghumanhera Academy turned the game their way. A brace, including the match-winner, by Aryan Sinu (44’ and 57’) and Siddharth Raju (56’) helped get past Sangrur Hockey Academy.

In an afternoon encounter, Odisha Naval Tata Grassroots blanked Republicans S.C in a one-sided game. A goal each by Lugun Ajiub (17’) off a penalty corner and field goals by Majhi Bikash (23’) and a back to back double by Barla Simon (24’ and 25’) gave Odisha Naval Tata Grassroots a 4-0 lead at half-time.

Changing ends, Odisha Naval Tata Grassroots added two more from penalty corner conversions by Tigga Karan (34’) and Barla Sunil (60’).

In other matches, United Thalassery Sports Club (UTSC) Hockey Academy hammered Friends Hockey Association 17-2 in Group-E with the highlight being five-goal hero Prateek Yarakal (8’, 21’, 25’, 28’, 47’). The other scorers were Sartak Bijwad (6’, 30, 42), Shreyas V (18’, 60’), Chirag Kotian (20’, 45’), Raifhayyan Arsdhad (34’, 51’) and a goal by Mohammed Sahil (24’), Ahidev Ratheeshan (31’) and Ayaan Dedhia (48’).

Friends Hockey Association netted twice through Kodi Venugopal (32’) and Patro Sagar (54’).

Earlier, tournament was inaugurated by India 2025 Asia Cup silver medallist Navjot Kaur, the chief guest of the day.

The function was graced by, Dr. D.K. Bhosale, Founder Chairman of SNBP Group of Institutes; Dr. Vrishali Bhosale, President SNBP Group, President Jawaharlal Nehru Hockey Tournament Society and Organizing Chairman; Advocate Rutuja Bhosale, SNBP Director; Devyani Bhosale, Director, SNPB Group of Institutes and Dr. Firoz Sheikh, Director of Physical Education and Tournament Convenor.

RESULTS (Day-1)

Group-E: United Thalassery Sports Club (UTSC) Hockey Academy: 17 (Sartak Bijwad 6’, 30, 42; Prateek Yarakal 8’, 21’, 25’, 28’, 47’; Shreyas V 18’, 60’; Chirag Kotian 20’, 45’; Mohammed Sahil 24’; Ahidev Ratheeshan 31’; Raifhayyan Arsdhad 34’, 51’; Ayaan Dedhia 48’) bt Friends Hockey Association: 2 (Kodi Venugopal 32’; Patro Sagar 54’). HT: 9-0

Group-C: Infinity Hockey Academy: 6 (Kolnati Venkata Sai 2’; Kolnati Tarun 13’, 24’; Rayi Ranjith 27’; Naganaboyina Kanta 39’; Kolnaji Manikanta 41’) bt Veer Hockey Academy: 0. HT: 4-0

Group-B: Ghumanhera Academy: 3 (Aryan Sinu 44’, 57’; Siddharth Raju 56’) bt Sangrur H.A: 2 (Ram Babu 9’; Yuvraj Singh 28’). HT: 0-2

Group-A: Odisha Naval Tata Grassroots: 6 (Lugun Ajiub 17’; Majhi Bikash 23’; Barla Simon 24’, 25’; Tigga Karan 34’; Barla Sunil 60’) bt Republican S.C: 0. HT: 4-0