The stage is set for the inaugural Hockey India Sub Junior Inter-Zone Championship 2024, commencing on September 1.
Budding hockey stars will compete in Ranchi, Jharkhand (Men’s Championship) and Narwana, Haryana (Women’s Championship).
This marquee event, a key addition to the Hockey India calendar, serves as a stepping stone for young athletes aspiring to join the junior programmes.
The Men’s Championship, to be held at the prestigious Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium, will see six teams fighting for the title. North Zone, South Zone, and SAI form Pool A, while East Zone, West Zone, and Academy make up Pool B.
Meanwhile, the Women’s Championship at Narwana’s Navdeep Stadium will witness North Zone, East Zone, and SAI BAL competing in Pool A. South Zone, West Zone, SAI Shakti, and Academy are grouped in Pool B. Both championships will span seven days.
Dilip Tirkey, president of Hockey India, said, “We are happy to introduce the Hockey India Sub Junior Men and Women Inter-Zone Championship in the national hockey calendar. This will be an important fixture for aspiring hockey players, and will create a road map for them to progress into the junior tournaments.”
Bhola Nath Singh, Secretary General of Hockey India, said, “We are delighted to begin this marquee tournament for Sub-Juniors. This initiative is part of our grassroots development programme which will ensure more players will get recognised and we can also scout talented players at a young age.”