Hockey India Sub Junior West Zone Championship 2024 Kicks Off in Surat
The second Hockey India Sub Junior Men and Women West Zone Championship 2024 is set to begin on July 22 at the Veer Narmad South Gujarat University Hockey Ground in Surat, Gujarat. The event will feature seven men’s teams and six women’s teams, with the finals scheduled for July 30.
Teams and Format
In the women’s category, teams from Hockey Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh Hockey, Hockey Maharashtra, Hockey Rajasthan, Hockey Gujarat, and Goans Hockey will compete in a round-robin format. The top two teams will qualify for the final.
For the men’s category, the teams are divided into two pools. Pool A includes Hockey Madhya Pradesh, Hockey Maharashtra, and Hockey Rajasthan. Pool B features Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Hockey, Chhattisgarh Hockey, Hockey Gujarat, and Goans Hockey. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the semi-finals on July 29.
Opening Matches
The championship will kick off with Hockey Madhya Pradesh facing Goans Hockey in the women’s category, followed by matches between Hockey Maharashtra and Hockey Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh Hockey and Hockey Gujarat. In the men’s category, Chhattisgarh Hockey will play against Goans Hockey, followed by a match between Hockey Rajasthan and Hockey Maharashtra.
Statements from Officials
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey stated that the Sub Junior Zonal Championships aim to discover talent from various parts of the country by providing young players with a professional hockey experience. He mentioned that thirteen teams are participating in Surat and expressed hope that players from this region will become future stars of the sport.
Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh emphasized the importance of giving youngsters a complete experience to ensure their well-rounded development. He believes that the Sub Junior Zonal Championship in Surat will provide players with realistic game time, helping them get accustomed to the pressures of being an athlete. He is confident that players who embrace this environment will shine on the biggest stages.
Doubts Revealed
Hockey India -: Hockey India is the organization that manages and promotes the sport of field hockey in India. They organize tournaments and help develop players.
Sub Junior -: Sub Junior refers to a category for younger players, usually under the age of 16. It helps in identifying and nurturing young talent.
West Zone -: West Zone is a regional division in India. In this context, it includes teams from the western part of India.
Surat -: Surat is a city in the state of Gujarat, India. It is known for its diamond cutting and textile industries.
Veer Narmad South Gujarat University -: This is a university in Surat, Gujarat. The hockey ground there is being used for the championship.
Dilip Tirkey -: Dilip Tirkey is the president of Hockey India. He is a former Indian field hockey player and one of the best defenders in the sport.
Bhola Nath Singh -: Bhola Nath Singh is the secretary general of Hockey India. He helps in managing the organization and its activities.
