Junior & Sub Junior Women’s Hockey Set to Take Center Stage in India from October 12

Gwalior, October 11,

Hockey enthusiasts can rejoice as the inaugural Hockey India Junior and Sub Junior Women Academy Championships (Zone A) is all set to commence at the Madhya Pradesh Women Hockey Academy on Thursday, with the championship final scheduled for October 19.

The Junior category will feature participation from five teams: Khalsa Hockey Academy (Amritsar), Bhai Behlo Hockey Academy Bhagta, Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy, Salute Hockey Academy, and HIM Academy. In the Sub Junior Women category, Khalsa Hockey Academy (Amritsar), Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy, Raja Karan Hockey Academy, Ghumanhera Riser’s Academy, and Meghbaran Singh Hockey Academy will vie for the title.

This championship, dedicated to discovering young talents from across the nation, reflects Hockey India’s unwavering commitment to elevate the sport through grassroots development initiatives.

The 1st Hockey India Junior and Sub Junior Women Academy Championship 2023 – (Zone A) will commence with a league format running from October 12 to 18. The top two teams in both the Junior and Sub Junior Women’s categories, based on their performance in the group stage, will advance to the championship showdown on October 19.

Teams finishing third and fourth in the group stage will compete for the 3rd/4th place, promising thrilling matches from start to finish. During the group stage, a victory will earn teams three points, while a draw will grant each team one point. In case of a tie at the end of regulation time, a shoot-out will determine the winner, adding an extra layer of excitement to the classification matches.

Following the exhilarating matches in Zone A, featuring leading academies from the North, the Hockey India Junior and Sub Junior Women Academy Championships in Zone B will follow, with academies from the rest of India. At the conclusion of Zone B, three teams will be formed to compete in an Inter Zone Academy Championship.

As the nation eagerly anticipates this prestigious tournament, Hockey India’s vision to nurture the next generation of hockey stars is evident, contributing significantly to the sport’s growth in India, with the Junior and Sub Junior Women Academy Championships providing an ideal platform.

“We are thrilled to kick off the Hockey India Junior and Sub Junior Academy Championships in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, as part of our long-term goals to foster grassroots talent,” said Hockey India President Padma Shri Dr. Dilip Tirkey. “We believe that this tournament will aid players in their development, allowing them to enhance their skills to the best of their abilities,” he added.

Secretary General Bola Nath Singh highlighted the abundance of opportunities available to young players. He stated, “The Junior and Sub Junior Women Academy Championships offer an excellent platform for all talents to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience in playing high-quality hockey. The passion for the sport is unparalleled, and we are committed to leaving no stone unturned in supporting the growth of hockey in the country.”