4th Hockey India Sub-Junior Women Academy Championship 2026 Begins in Gwalior with 15 Academies Competing for Title

Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, July 25, 2026: The 4th Hockey India Sub-Junior Women Academy Championship 2026 (Zone A & B) is set to commence on Sunday, July 26, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, with 15 academies from across the country competing over nine days for top honours. The tournament will conclude on August 3, with the best-performing teams from the league stage advancing to the knockout rounds.

The championship has been divided into four pools, with each academy aiming to secure a place in the semi-finals through consistent performances during the round-robin league stage.

Pool Composition for the Championship

Pool A features Sports Authority of Gujarat – Hockey Academy, Hockey Family Badhkhalsa NCR Hockey Society and Pritam Siwach Hockey Academy, Sonepat.

Pool B consists of Sports Hockey Academy of Khalsa's Kolkata, Raja Karan Hockey Academy, R K Roy Hockey Academy and Mumbai Schools Sports Association.

Pool C includes Anantapur Sports Academy, Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy, Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Academy and Tamil Nadu Hockey Academy.

Pool D comprises Ritu Rani Hockey Academy, Vadipatti Raja Hockey Academy, Bhai Behlo Hockey Academy Bhagta and Cheema Hockey Academy.

Tournament Format

Teams will compete in a round-robin format within their respective pools during the league stage. A victory will earn three points, a draw one point and a loss no points. In knockout matches where a winner is required, tied contests will be decided through a shoot-out in accordance with FIH Tournament Regulations.

The top-ranked team from each pool will qualify for the semi-finals scheduled for August 2. The tournament will conclude on August 3 with the third-place playoff followed by the championship final.

Hockey India Looks Ahead to Emerging Talent

"Our Sub-Junior Academy Championship is where we first get to see the future of Indian women's hockey up close. These are players who are still developing their game, and a tournament of this scale gives them the exposure and competitive intensity they need at this crucial stage of their development. As we prepare to witness some exciting hockey action, we wish every participating team the best," said Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey.

"Bringing 15 academies together across four pools speaks volumes about how much our grassroots pipeline for women's hockey has grown. The credit goes to the academies and coaches who have put in their hard work with these young athletes. We thank the Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy for hosting this edition and wish every participating team a memorable championship," said Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bola Nath Singh.

Opening Day Fixtures

The opening day's action begins at 7:00 am with Sports Authority of Gujarat – Hockey Academy taking on Hockey Family Badhkhalsa NCR Hockey Society in a Pool A encounter.

• 7:00 am (Pool A): Sports Authority of Gujarat – Hockey Academy vs Hockey Family Badhkhalsa NCR Hockey Society
• 8:30 am (Pool B): Sports Hockey Academy of Khalsa's Kolkata vs Raja Karan Hockey Academy
• 10:00 am (Pool B): R K Roy Hockey Academy vs Mumbai Schools Sports Association

The tournament is expected to showcase some of the country's most promising young women's hockey talent while providing a competitive platform for emerging players to gain valuable match experience.

(Inputs from Press Release)