MARGAO
Goans Hockey achieved a significant milestone by earning promotion to Division B in the 16th Hockey India Sub-Junior Men National Championship 2026, held at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar, following an outstanding performance in the tournament.
Displaying impressive form, Goa secured crucial victories over Hockey Jammu & Kashmir (3-2) and Hockey Rajasthan (7-0), along with a walkover against Tripura Hockey, to seal their elevation.
A delighted Goa coach, Riyaz Shabir Kambali, expressed immense pride in his team’s achievement. “It’s always special to win the inaugural edition of any event, especially when we’ve beaten one of the strongest teams in the tournament. The boys are even happier than me, and I’m proud of their performance. We truly deserved this,” he said.
Highlighting the team’s composure under pressure, Kambali praised the young players for their maturity. “At this age, the ability to hold nerves in tough situations is remarkable. Both matches were challenging, and adapting to match situations is not easy. The boys showed great character, especially in pressure moments like shootouts,” he noted.
He also commended the team’s unity and adaptability, emphasizing how quickly the players gelled together. “In sub-junior hockey, players must follow a structured style of play, and adapting quickly is key. The boys did exceptionally well to come together as a unit and deliver results,” Kambali added.
The coach further acknowledged the support from Goans Hockey, stating that such tournaments play a crucial role in developing the sport and fostering a competitive culture in the state.
