Is the National Sub-Junior Hockey Championships Ready to Inspire Future Stars?
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Synopsis
Get ready for the thrilling 15th Hockey India Sub-Junior Women National Championship! Kicking off on July 3 in Ranchi, Jharkhand, this year’s tournament features a novel division-based format, intensifying the competition among 28 teams. Will your favorite team seize the title or face relegation? Join us as we explore the exciting details of this prestigious event.
Key Takeaways
- New division-based format enhances competition.
- 28 teams will participate across three divisions.
- Top teams advance to knockout stages.
- Promotion and relegation create high stakes.
- Significant opportunity for young talent to showcase skills.
New Delhi, July 2 (NationPress) The 15th Hockey India Sub-Junior Women National Championship 2025 is scheduled to commence on July 3 at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand. Spanning from July 3 to July 14, this tournament will implement the newly established division-based format, which was first launched earlier this year during the Senior Men's and Women’s National Championships.
This year's championship will include 28 teams split into three divisions — Division A, Division B, and Division C — adding a new layer of competition with the possibility of promotion and relegation.
Division A will feature the top 12 teams in the nation, including the defending champions Hockey Jharkhand and last year’s runners-up Hockey Madhya Pradesh, both vying for the national title. Meanwhile, Divisions B and C will serve as platforms for emerging teams to advance.
Teams will compete in round-robin matches within their respective divisions. The top two teams from each division will progress to the Quarterfinals on July 11, followed by the Semifinals on July 12 and the Final & 3rd place playoff on July 14. The two lowest-ranked teams in Division A will be relegated to Division B for the following year.
In Division A, if a classification match concludes in a draw after regulation time, a shoot-out will take place as per FIH Tournament Regulations to establish the winner.
Divisions B and C will follow a league format, with the top two teams from each division earning promotion.
Points will be awarded as follows: 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss.
During the tournament, Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey remarked, “The division-based format has infused a new spirit of competitiveness into our domestic hockey scene. The Sub Junior Women's National Championship is pivotal for spotting and nurturing grassroots talent. Hosting this tournament in Ranchi, a city famed for its hockey culture, adds to its significance. We eagerly anticipate outstanding performances from the young talents who represent the future of Indian hockey.”
Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh stated, “This revamped structure provides every team with a defined objective—whether it’s claiming the championship, achieving promotion, or avoiding relegation. It maintains excitement throughout the tournament. We are dedicated to ensuring equal opportunities for young girls through well-organized championships like this. Ranchi is poised to host another unforgettable event.”
Details on the National Championship format and groupings:
Division Format & Pool Composition
Division A (Top-tier Championship Division): Teams compete for the title, with two facing relegation.
Pool A: Hockey Jharkhand, Hockey Haryana, Hockey Andhra Pradesh
Pool B: Hockey Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh Hockey, Hockey Chandigarh
Pool C: Hockey Association of Odisha, Hockey Maharashtra, Hockey Punjab
Pool D: Hockey Mizoram, Delhi Hockey, Hockey Association of Bihar
Division B (Mid-tier Division): Teams compete for promotion to Division A; the bottom two face relegation.
Pool A: Hockey Karnataka, Manipur Hockey, Hockey Uttarakhand, Kerala Hockey, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Daman & Diu Hockey
Pool B: Hockey Gujarat, Chhattisgarh Hockey, Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu, Hockey Bengal
Division C (Entry-level Division): Teams compete for promotion to Division B.
Pool A: Hockey Raj, Le Puducherry Hockey, Hockey Himachal
Pool B: Assam Hockey, Telangana Hockey, Hockey Jammu and Kashmir, Goans Hockey.
Point of View
The National Sub-Junior Women National Championship is a significant event that not only showcases young talent but also emphasizes the importance of structured competition in fostering future stars. The division-based format enhances the stakes, making every match crucial. Hockey India's dedication to nurturing grassroots talent is commendable and essential for the sport's growth in the country.
NationPress
03/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the format of the National Sub-Junior Women National Championship?
The tournament will feature a division-based format with 28 teams divided into three divisions: A, B, and C. Teams will play round-robin matches, and the top teams will qualify for knockout stages.
Where is the championship being held?
The 15th Hockey India Sub-Junior Women National Championship is taking place at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
What are the dates for the tournament?
The championship will run from July 3 to July 14, 2025.
How will teams gain promotion or face relegation?
Teams in Division A will face relegation if they finish at the bottom of their division, while the top teams in Divisions B and C will be promoted to higher divisions.
What is the significance of this championship?
This tournament serves as a critical platform for identifying and nurturing young talent in Indian hockey, fostering competitive spirit and skill development at the grassroots level.
