~Ghumanhera Riser’s Academy and Tamil Nadu Hockey Academy clash in the opening match~
New Delhi, November 15, 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) kicks off at Kurukshetra University, Haryana, from Sunday, November 16, with the final slated for November 23, 2025.
A total of 15 academy teams from across the country will compete for top honors in this highly anticipated tournament, which serves as an important platform in Hockey India’s robust development journey. The teams have been divided into four pools – Pool A, Pool B, Pool C and Pool D – and will compete in a round-robin competition format, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to the semi-finals on November 21. The match for 3rd/4th place and the final will be played on November 23.
The opening match will see Ghumanhera Riser’s Academy take on the Tamil Nadu Hockey Academy, setting the tone for what promises to be an intense week of competitive hockey.
Pool A features the Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre, Mumbai Schools Sports Association and the Sports Authority of the 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 consists of Jai Bharat Hockey Academy, Bhai Behlo Hockey Academy Bhagta, Markandeshwar Hockey Academy and Ritu Rani Hockey Academy.
In the group stage, teams receive three points for a win and one point for a draw. If the scores are tied at the end of regulation time during the Ranked Matches, a shoot-out will determine the winner, adding an extra layer of tension to the proceedings.
Ahead of the tournament, Chairman of Hockey India Dr. Dilip Tirkey“The Junior Women Academy Championship is a cornerstone in our talent development structure. It gives us an opportunity to identify promising players who will ultimately contribute to the national set-up. Over the years, these academy tournaments have proven to play an important role in nurturing future stars who will go on to represent India at the international level. I am confident that this year’s edition will showcase exceptional young talent.”
Echoing his sentiments, Shri Bola Nath Singh, Secretary General of Hockey India, added: “This championship not only provides young players with a platform to compete, but also instills in them the discipline and exposure required at higher levels. The enthusiasm and commitment of these academies reflects the strong grassroots network we have built across India. We look forward to an exciting week of hockey in Kurukshetra.”
With the country’s top junior academies in action, the 3rd Hockey India Junior Women Academy Championship 2025 (Zone A & B) promises exciting encounters, emerging talent and another milestone in Hockey India’s ongoing mission to strengthen the foundation of Indian hockey.