~Ghumanhera Riser’s Academy and Tamil Nadu Hockey Academy to clash in the opening encounter~
New Delhi, 15th November 2025: The stage is set for an exciting display of young talent as the 3rd Hockey India Junior Women Academy Championship 2025 (Zone A & B) gets underway at Kurukshetra University, Haryana, from Sunday, 16th November, with the Final scheduled for 23rd November 2025.
A total of 15 academy teams from across the country will vie for top honours in this much-anticipated tournament, which serves as a key platform in Hockey India’s robust grassroots development pathway. The teams have been divided into four Pools — Pool A, Pool B, Pool C, and Pool D — and will compete in a round-robin league format, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to the Semi-Finals on 21st November. The 3rd/4th place match and the Final will be played on 23rd November.
The opening match will see Ghumanhera Riser’s Academy take on Tamil Nadu Hockey Academy, setting the tone for what promises to be an intense week of competitive hockey.
Pool A features Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre, Mumbai Schools Sports Association, and Sports Authority of Gujarat Hockey Academy.
Pool B includes Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Academy, Citizen Hockey XI, Hockey Family Badhkhalsa NCR Hockey Society, and Vadipatti Raja Hockey Academy.
Pool C brings together Ghumanhera Riser’s Academy, Raja Karan Hockey Academy, Khalsa Hockey Academy (Amritsar), and Tamil Nadu Hockey Academy, while Pool D comprises Jai Bharat Hockey Academy, Bhai Behlo Hockey Academy Bhagta, Markandeshwar Hockey Academy, and Ritu Rani Hockey Academy.
In the group stage, teams will be awarded three points for a win and one point for a draw. If scores are level at the end of regulation time during the classification matches, a shoot-out will decide the winner, adding an extra layer of excitement to the proceedings.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey said, “The Junior Women Academy Championship is a cornerstone in our talent development structure. It gives us the opportunity to identify promising players who will eventually feed into the national setup. Over the years, these academy tournaments have proven to be instrumental in nurturing future stars who go on to represent India at the international level. I am confident this year’s edition will showcase some extraordinary young talent.”
Echoing his sentiments, Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bola Nath Singh added, “This Championship not only provides young players a platform to compete but also instils in them the discipline and exposure required at higher levels. The enthusiasm and commitment shown by these academies reflect the strong grassroots network we have built across India. We look forward to an exciting week of hockey in Kurukshetra.”
With the nation’s best junior academies in action, the 3rd Hockey India Junior Women Academy Championship 2025 (Zone A & B) promises thrilling encounters, emerging talent, and yet another milestone in Hockey India’s ongoing mission to strengthen the foundation of Indian hockey.
