The 15th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship will take place from April 4 to 15 at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. The tournament will follow the newly introduced division-based format, first implemented in the Senior Women’s National Championship in March.
This year, the championship introduces promotion and relegation battles, adding a competitive edge. A total of 30 teams will compete across three divisions: Division A, Division B, and Division C.
Division A is the top-tier division, where teams will compete for the national title. Division B will feature teams battling for promotion to Division A, while Division C will see teams aiming to move up to Division B. The bottom two teams from Division A will be relegated to Division B, while the top two from Division B will earn promotion. Similarly, the top two teams from Division C will move up to Division B, and the bottom two from Division B will be relegated.
The 12 best teams in India, based on past performances, will compete in Division A. Defending champions Hockey Association of Odisha and runners-up Hockey Haryana are among them. The teams are divided into four pools: Pool A consists of the Hockey Association of Odisha, Hockey Punjab, and Hockey Madhya Pradesh. Pool B includes Hockey Haryana, Hockey Maharashtra, and Hockey Jharkhand. Pool C features Uttar Pradesh Hockey, Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu, and Hockey Bengal, while Pool D comprises Manipur Hockey, Hockey Karnataka, and Le Puducherry Hockey.
Each team will face the others in its pool once. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the quarterfinals on April 12, followed by the semifinals on April 13 and the final and 3rd/4th place match on April 15.
Ten teams will compete in Division B for a spot in Division A. The teams are divided into two pools: Pool A features Hockey Chandigarh, Goans Hockey, Telangana Hockey, Hockey Andhra Pradesh, and Hockey Uttarakhand, while Pool B includes Delhi Hockey, Hockey Mizoram, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Hockey, Kerala Hockey, and Assam Hockey. The top two teams will secure promotion to Division A, while the bottom two will be relegated to Division C.
Eight teams will compete in Division C for promotion to Division B. The teams are divided into two pools: Pool A consists of Hockey Rajasthan, Hockey Arunachal, Hockey Jammu & Kashmir, and Tripura Hockey, while Pool B includes Chhattisgarh Hockey, Hockey Himachal, Hockey Association of Bihar, and Hockey Gujarat. Like Division B, this division will follow a league format, with the top two teams earning promotion.
The tournament will use a standard points system, with three points awarded for a win, one point for a draw, and none for a loss.
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey remarked, “The new format was a success in the senior women’s championship, and we look forward to an equally exciting contest this time. With promotion and relegation on the line, teams will give their all and deliver high-quality hockey.”
Secretary-General Bhola Nath Singh added, “This championship is key for scouting future talent for international competitions. Domestic tournaments have consistently showcased impressive hockey, and this format will push players to perform at their best. We wish all participants the very best.”
Division B and C matches will begin on April 4, while Division A matches will commence on April 8.
On the opening day, Division C matches will feature Hockey Rajasthan vs. Tripura Hockey, Hockey Arunachal vs. Hockey Jammu & Kashmir, Chhattisgarh Hockey vs. Hockey Gujarat, and Hockey Himachal vs. Hockey Association of Bihar. Later in Division B, Hockey Chandigarh will face Hockey Andhra Pradesh, Goans Hockey will take on Hockey Uttarakhand, Delhi Hockey will clash with Hockey Kerala, and Hockey Mizoram will go up against Assam Hockey.
(With IANS inputs)
