The 2nd Hockey India Sub Junior Women Academy National Championship 2022, which begins on Friday in Madhya Pradesh, will feature 14 teams competing for the trophy. After three days of pool games, the Quarter-Finals will be held on April 26, the Semi-Finals on April 28, and the Medal matches on April 29. The teams competing are split into four pools. Teams in Pool A are SAI-Academy, Ghumanhera Riser's Academy and HAR Hockey Academy, while Pool B features Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy, Bhai Behlo Hockey Academy Bhagta and HIM Academy. Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Academy, Anantapur Sports Academy, Malwa Hockey Academy Hanumangarh and Smart Hockey Academy, Raipur have been slotted in Pool C, while Pool D features Jai Bharat Hockey Academy, Dhyan Chand Hockey Academy, SGPC Hockey Academy and Salute Hockey Academy.
Speaking at the prospect of defending the title, SAI-Academy Head Coach Pradeep Kumar Sarangi said, "It will be a fresh approach because the players are new. They will be playing the Nationals for the first time and this tournament will be a test for them. The girls are really excited about the opportunity they are given, and I only want them to enjoy and play good hockey."
Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy, which finished third in the inaugural tournament, is hoping to advance to the finals this year. "80% of the players are new to the team and are ecstatic to be playing in their first Nationals, especially on their home turf. Playing in front of your own folks at home is always a great experience. As a result, the players are both enthusiastic and confident about the tournament.
"We lost in a shootout in the Semi-Final last year against SAI - Academy, which was a very close game, so this time we will be more focused and hopeful of making it to the Final "Vandana Uikey, the head coach of the Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy, commented.
Meanwhile, Roundglass Punjab Hockey club Academy Head Coach Navjeet Kaur expressed, "The team is totally new. Players will be playing their life's first-ever National competition, which will be a challenging yet exciting tournament. My girls have worked really hard in this heat, and I just want them to apply whatever they have learnt in the training. This tournament will boost their confidence and it will be a good learning experience for them."
