Hockey Rajasthan defeated Gujarat 6–2 on 12 October 2026 in Division C, Pool B, of the 16th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. Ankit Rawat scored a hat-trick, while Pawan Kumar Yadav contributed two goals to help Rajasthan record its second consecutive victory.
Gujarat started strongly when Prathambhai Patel scored in the eighth minute. However, Kunal Koundal equalised before Yadav and Rawat helped Rajasthan establish a commanding advantage. Patel scored again for Gujarat, but Rawat completed his hat-trick in the 60th minute to seal the 6–2 result.
The victory continued Hockey Rajasthan’s positive start to the competition following a 3–2 win over Bihar (BSSA). Gujarat, meanwhile, faced another difficult result after losing its opening match against Andhra Pradesh 8–0.
Key Highlights
- Hockey Rajasthan defeated Gujarat 6–2 in Jhansi.
- Ankit Rawat scored three goals in the 42nd, 48th and 60th minutes.
- Pawan Kumar Yadav scored twice in the 36th and 39th minutes.
- Kunal Koundal equalised in the 22nd minute through a penalty corner.
- The victory gave Rajasthan its second consecutive win in Division C, Pool B.
Table of Contents
- What Happened?
- Important Details
- Why Is This News Important?
- Latest Updates
- Official Statement and Sources
- Background and Context
- Reactions and Public Response
- What Happens Next?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What Happened? Hockey Rajasthan Beat Gujarat 6–2
The match between Hockey Rajasthan and Gujarat developed into a convincing victory for Rajasthan after an initially competitive opening. Gujarat scored first, but Rajasthan responded with six goals of its own to secure the four-goal winning margin.
Prathambhai Patel gave Gujarat the lead in the eighth minute. Rajasthan needed to respond, and Kunal Koundal delivered the equaliser in the 22nd minute by converting a penalty corner.
The equaliser brought the teams level at 1–1. Rajasthan subsequently found greater scoring momentum, with Pawan Kumar Yadav scoring twice in quick succession during the 36th and 39th minutes.
Ankit Rawat scored in the 42nd minute to extend the advantage. His second goal arrived in the 48th minute, taking Rajasthan to 5–1 and putting Gujarat under considerable pressure.
Patel scored his second goal in the 54th minute, reducing the deficit to 5–2. However, Rajasthan retained its advantage, and Rawat completed his hat-trick in the final minute to establish the final score of 6–2.
For Hockey Rajasthan, the result represented a strong recovery from the early setback. The team combined contributions from three scorers to turn a level contest into a decisive victory.
Important Details
Who played in the match?
The match featured Rajasthan and Gujarat in Division C, Pool B, of the 16th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2026.
The leading performers for Rajasthan were Ankit Rawat, Pawan Kumar Yadav and Kunal Koundal. Rawat scored three goals, Yadav contributed two, and Koundal registered the equaliser.
Prathambhai Patel scored both goals for Gujarat. His opening strike gave his side an early advantage, while his second goal arrived after Rajasthan had already established a substantial lead.
When and where was the match played?
The match took place on 12 October 2026 in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. It formed part of the third day’s programme at the national championship.
The tournament is scheduled to run from 10 to 21 October 2026. According to the published tournament information, Division C features seven teams divided between two pools, with Rajasthan and Gujarat competing in Pool B.
How did the scoring develop?
| Minute | Scorer | Team | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8′ | Prathambhai Patel | Gujarat | 0–1 |
| 22′ | Kunal Koundal | Rajasthan | 1–1 |
| 36′ | Pawan Kumar Yadav | Rajasthan | 2–1 |
| 39′ | Pawan Kumar Yadav | Rajasthan | 3–1 |
| 42′ | Ankit Rawat | Rajasthan | 4–1 |
| 48′ | Ankit Rawat | Rajasthan | 5–1 |
| 54′ | Prathambhai Patel | Gujarat | 5–2 |
| 60′ | Ankit Rawat | Rajasthan | 6–2 |
The scoring sequence shows how the match changed after the first goal. Gujarat started in front, but Rajasthan scored repeatedly during the middle stages before Rawat completed the result with his third goal.
What was Rajasthan’s main strength?
The clearest feature of Hockey Rajasthan’s performance was its scoring contribution from several players. Rawat’s hat-trick attracted attention, but Yadav’s brace and Koundal’s equaliser were also essential to the final result.
The team responded after conceding first and then produced a strong scoring spell. This allowed Rajasthan to create a comfortable margin before the final stages of the match.
The available match report does not provide verified possession percentages, total shots, goalkeeper statistics or detailed tactical data. Consequently, the result should be assessed using the confirmed scoreline and scoring sequence rather than unsupported statistical claims.
Why Is This News Important?
Rajasthan continued its winning start
The victory was important because Rajasthan had already defeated Bihar (BSSA) 3–2 in its opening Pool B match. Winning consecutive fixtures gave the team a positive beginning to its national championship campaign.
For Hockey Rajasthan, the two results demonstrate that the team has collected victories against two pool opponents. However, these results do not establish final qualification or guarantee a particular finishing position.
The remaining fixtures and official standings will determine how the campaign develops. Maintaining consistency will be important as the competition progresses.
Ankit Rawat produced a standout performance
Rawat’s hat-trick was the individual highlight of the match. Scoring three goals in one game is a significant achievement, particularly in a tournament where each result can influence a team’s progress.
His goals arrived in the 42nd, 48th and 60th minutes. The first extended Rajasthan’s advantage, the second increased the margin further, and the third completed the final score.
Rawat’s performance also demonstrated the value of converting scoring opportunities at important stages. His contribution helped ensure that Gujarat’s second goal did not change the outcome.
Pawan Kumar Yadav contributed twice
Yadav scored in the 36th and 39th minutes. Those goals came close together and helped Rajasthan move from a 1–1 draw to a 3–1 lead.
His contribution deserves recognition alongside Rawat’s hat-trick. The two players combined for five of Rajasthan’s six goals, while Koundal provided the remaining strike.
This distribution shows that Rajasthan did not rely on one scorer alone. Multiple contributions helped the side build its advantage and finish the match strongly.
Gujarat faces an important challenge
Gujarat’s defeat followed an 8–0 loss to Andhra Pradesh in its opening match. The subsequent 6–2 result meant that Gujarat had lost its first two reported fixtures.
Although Patel scored twice against Rajasthan, the team could not prevent its opponents from finding the net six times. Gujarat will need to improve its results in the remaining matches if it wants to finish the pool campaign strongly.
The available reports do not establish the precise reasons behind Gujarat’s defeats. It would therefore be premature to attribute the results to a particular tactical weakness without additional evidence.
Latest Updates
The following developments are confirmed in the published tournament coverage:
- 10 October 2026: The senior men’s national championship began in Jhansi.
- Rajasthan’s opening fixture: Rajasthan defeated Bihar (BSSA) 3–2.
- Gujarat’s opening fixture: Andhra Pradesh beat Gujarat 8–0.
- 12 October 2026: Rajasthan defeated Gujarat 6–2, with Rawat scoring three goals.
- Tournament schedule: The championship is scheduled to continue through 21 October 2026.
These results provide the immediate context for Hockey Rajasthan’s position in Pool B. The next stage of the campaign will depend on the remaining fixtures and the official competition standings.
Official Statement and Sources
Hockey India’s official tournament coverage confirms the scoreline, goal timings and match details. The published report records Patel’s opening goal, Koundal’s equaliser, Yadav’s two strikes and Rawat’s three goals.
The report also places the fixture within the 16th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2026.
No direct quotation from Rawat, either team’s coach or team management is included because a verified post-match statement was not established in the sources reviewed.
Background and Context
Understanding the national championship
The Hockey India Senior Men National Championship is a domestic competition involving teams representing participating hockey associations and units. The 2026 edition is the 16th championship and is being held in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh.
The published tournament preview identifies three divisions: Division A, Division B and Division C. The teams compete within their respective tournament structures, making pool results important during the initial stage.
For Hockey Rajasthan, the immediate objective is to perform consistently in Division C, Pool B. Results against other teams in the same pool will help determine the team’s final position.
Rajasthan’s earlier victory
Rajasthan entered the Gujarat fixture after defeating Bihar (BSSA) 3–2. That match was much closer than the subsequent 6–2 result, requiring Rajasthan to secure a narrow victory.
The two results provide a useful picture of the team’s opening campaign. Rajasthan first won a close match and then produced a more substantial winning margin against Gujarat.
However, two victories do not provide enough evidence to predict the final tournament outcome. Future results will offer a clearer assessment of the team’s consistency.
Gujarat’s early results
Gujarat began the competition with an 8–0 defeat against Andhra Pradesh. Its loss to Rajasthan then made the opening phase challenging.
The two results mean Gujarat conceded 14 goals across those fixtures. This is a description of the recorded scorelines, not proof of a specific tactical problem.
Patel’s two goals against Rajasthan showed that Gujarat could create scoring opportunities, although the side was unable to match Rajasthan’s overall output.
The importance of the scoring timeline
The final score alone does not explain how the match developed. Gujarat’s opening goal put Rajasthan behind, but Koundal’s equaliser changed the situation before Yadav scored twice.
Rawat then added three goals across the second half of the match. Gujarat managed a second strike, but Rajasthan retained its advantage and completed the 6–2 victory.
For Hockey Rajasthan, this sequence illustrates the importance of responding to an early setback and converting opportunities as the match progresses. It also shows why a match report should include both the final result and the timing of the goals.
Why multiple scorers matter
A team that receives goals from different players has more than one source of attacking contribution in a particular match. Rajasthan’s six goals came from Rawat, Yadav and Koundal.
Rawat supplied the hat-trick, while Yadav’s two goals helped change the momentum. Koundal’s penalty-corner conversion ensured that Rajasthan recovered from Gujarat’s early lead.
The scoring record supports these observations, although it does not reveal the full tactical plan or individual performance ratings.
Following official hockey coverage
Readers can follow future tournament results through Hockey India’s official website. Its announcements and match reports are useful sources for confirmed scores, schedules and competition information.
WorldPlayHub readers can also explore [Latest Sports News], [Indian Hockey Updates], [Hockey News] and [National Sports Coverage] for related reporting. Internal links should point to the corresponding published pages on the website.
Accurate reporting remains important when covering domestic hockey. Match dates, goal timings and player names should be checked against official reports before publication, particularly when readers rely on an article for current tournament information.
Reactions and Public Response
No verified direct post-match statements from the players or coaches were established in the reports reviewed. Therefore, claims about the team’s private discussions, dressing-room celebrations or specific fan reactions cannot be confirmed.
The sporting outcome is nevertheless clear. Rajasthan won 6–2, Rawat scored three times, and Yadav added two goals.
Any further reaction should be included only when an attributable statement or reliable report becomes available.
What Happens Next?
Rajasthan will continue its Division C, Pool B campaign against its remaining opponents. The team’s final position will depend on its subsequent results and the competition’s official rules.
For Hockey Rajasthan, the two consecutive wins provide a positive starting point, but the campaign is not decided by these results alone. The team must continue collecting results to strengthen its position in the pool.
Gujarat will also need to respond in its upcoming fixtures after losing its first two reported matches. A confirmed next-match time or qualification outcome should be checked against the official tournament schedule before being reported.
Readers should follow Hockey India’s official tournament updates for confirmed fixtures, standings and results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who won the Hockey Rajasthan vs Gujarat match?
Rajasthan defeated Gujarat 6–2 on 12 October 2026 in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. The Division C, Pool B match was part of the 16th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship. Rajasthan recovered from an early deficit and scored six goals to secure its second consecutive victory.
2. How many goals did Ankit Rawat score?
Ankit Rawat scored three goals, completing a hat-trick. His goals came in the 42nd, 48th and 60th minutes. His final strike established the 6–2 scoreline and capped a strong individual performance in the national championship fixture.
3. When was the Hockey Rajasthan match played?
The match took place on 12 October 2026 in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. It was part of the third day’s programme in the 16th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship. Both Rajasthan and Gujarat competed in Division C, Pool B.
4. Who scored Rajasthan’s other goals?
Pawan Kumar Yadav scored twice in the 36th and 39th minutes. Kunal Koundal scored the equaliser in the 22nd minute through a penalty corner. Their contributions, combined with Rawat’s hat-trick, accounted for all six Rajasthan goals.
5. Who scored Gujarat’s goals?
Prathambhai Patel scored both goals for Gujarat. His first strike arrived in the eighth minute, giving Gujarat an early lead. He scored again in the 54th minute, but Rajasthan maintained its advantage and won the match 6–2.
6. What was the final score?
The final score was Rajasthan 6–2 Gujarat. Rajasthan scored through Ankit Rawat, Pawan Kumar Yadav and Kunal Koundal, while Prathambhai Patel scored both Gujarat goals. The victory gave Rajasthan its second consecutive win in the pool stage.
7. Which tournament featured Rajasthan and Gujarat?
The fixture took place in the 16th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2026. The tournament is scheduled from 10 to 21 October in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. The two teams competed in Division C, Pool B.
8. What happens next for Rajasthan?
Rajasthan will continue its pool-stage campaign, with remaining results determining its final position. Its two victories represent a positive start, but qualification cannot be confirmed from these results alone. Official tournament updates should be consulted for the next fixture and current standings.
Conclusion
Hockey Rajasthan produced a convincing 6–2 victory over Gujarat in the national championship, with Ankit Rawat scoring a hat-trick and Pawan Kumar Yadav adding two goals.
The result followed Rajasthan’s earlier 3–2 win over Bihar (BSSA), giving the team two consecutive victories in Pool B. Gujarat, meanwhile, will look to improve its results in the remaining fixtures.
The main takeaway is clear: Rajasthan has made a positive start, but its final tournament position will depend on the matches still to come.
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