PANAJI
The Goan challenge at the 16th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship will be closely watched as the team begins its campaign in Division ‘B’ with a series of crucial league encounters in Pune.
Placed in Pool B of Division ‘B’, Goans Hockey faces a demanding schedule against strong opposition, with every match vital in the race for promotion to Division ‘A’.
Goa will open its campaign against Hockey Uttarakhand on April 29, in what promises to be a testing start. The team will then take on the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu on May 1, followed by a clash against Hockey Bihar on May 2. Their final league fixture is scheduled against Hockey Karnataka on May 4.
With only the top two teams from Division ‘B’ earning promotion, consistency will be key for the Goan side. Unlike Division ‘A’, which features knockout stages, Division ‘B’ is played in a league format, making each match decisive in the final standings.
The tournament, featuring top junior women's teams from across the country, runs from April 29 to May 10, with Division ‘A’ teams competing for the national title, while lower divisions battle for promotion.
For Goa, the focus will be on delivering strong performances across all matches to secure a top-two finish and move a step closer to elite-level competition. The upcoming fixtures present both a challenge and an opportunity for the team to make a mark on the national stage.
GOA'S FIXTURES
April 29: Goa vs Hockey Uttarakhand, 4.30 pm
May 1: Goa vs Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu, 4.30 pm
May 2: Goa vs Hockey Bihar, 4.30 pm
May 4: Goa vs Hockey Karnataka, 9 am
