Hockey India Junior Women National Championship 2024 Begins in Ranchi
The 14th edition of the Hockey India Junior Women National Championship 2024 has kickstarted at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh AstroTurf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand. As many as 26 teams will compete with each other to lift the trophy in the finals.
Teams and Pools
The teams are divided into eight pools:
| Pool | Teams |
|---|---|
| Pool A | Hockey Madhya Pradesh, Hockey Uttarakhand, Kerala Hockey |
| Pool B | Hockey Jharkhand, Hockey Rajasthan, Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu |
| Pool C | Assam Hockey, Hockey Haryana, Manipur Hockey |
| Pool D | Chhattisgarh Hockey, Delhi Hockey, Le Puducherry Hockey |
| Pool E | Hockey Association of Odisha, Hockey Bengal, Hockey Bihar |
| Pool F | Hockey Andhra Pradesh, Hockey Jammu & Kashmir, Hockey Punjab |
| Pool G | Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Hockey, Hockey Arunachal, Hockey Chandigarh, Hockey Maharashtra |
| Pool H | Hockey Gujarat, Hockey Himachal, Hockey Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh Hockey |
Match Schedule
The top teams from each pool will qualify for the Quarter-finals on October 7, followed by the Semi-finals on October 9. The winners of the Semi-Finals will face off in the final, while the losing teams will compete for the Bronze Medal on October 10.
Opening Day Matches
The opening day features five matches:
- Hockey Punjab vs. Hockey Jammu & Kashmir in Pool F
- Hockey Maharashtra vs. Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu in Pool G
- Hockey Chandigarh vs. Hockey Arunachal in Pool G
- Uttar Pradesh Hockey vs. Hockey Gujarat in Pool H
- Hockey Jharkhand vs. Hockey Rajasthan in Pool B
Statements from Officials
Hockey India President, Dilip Tirkey, said, “We are extremely determined to develop the grassroots hockey talent and platforms like Junior Women National Championship helps the young athletes to showcase their skills and also helps them get experience of the top level tournament which further helps them at the later stage in their sporting career. We are excited to see the upcoming women hockey stars compete with each other in Ranchi from tomorrow onwards.”
Secretary General of Hockey India, Bhola Nath Singh, also expressed his views, saying, “The Junior Women Hockey Championship does not only provide the budding athletes a crucial platform but also helps us identify and scout and nurture talent from a young age. I have no doubts about the success for the tournament and my wishes are with all the young players who are ready to participate in the tournament starting tomorrow in Ranchi.”
Doubts Revealed
Hockey India -: Hockey India is the organization that manages and promotes the sport of hockey in India. They organize tournaments and help players improve their skills.
Junior Women National Championship -: This is a big hockey tournament for young women players from different parts of India. ‘Junior’ means the players are younger, usually under 21 years old.
Ranchi -: Ranchi is a city in the state of Jharkhand in India. It is known for its beautiful landscapes and is also the hometown of famous cricketer MS Dhoni.
Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh AstroTurf Hockey Stadium -: This is a special stadium in Ranchi where the hockey games are played. ‘AstroTurf’ means the ground is covered with artificial grass, which is good for playing hockey.
Jharkhand -: Jharkhand is a state in eastern India. It is known for its forests, waterfalls, and rich mineral resources.
Pools -: In sports tournaments, ‘pools’ are groups of teams that play against each other. The best teams from each pool move on to the next round.
Quarter-finals -: This is a stage in the tournament where eight teams compete, and the winners move on to the Semi-finals.
Semi-finals -: This is the stage before the final match. Four teams compete, and the winners go to the finals.
Finals -: The finals are the last match of the tournament. The team that wins this match becomes the champion.
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey -: Dilip Tirkey is the leader of Hockey India. He is a former hockey player and helps manage the sport in India.
Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh -: Bhola Nath Singh is an important official in Hockey India. He helps organize events and supports the players.