The 4th Hockey India Junior Women Academy Championship 2026 kicked off on a bright morning in Gwalior, the historic city of Madhya Pradesh, drawing attention from coaches, scouts and fans across the country. Twelve teams, each representing a different regional academy, were split into two pools of six, setting the stage for a tournament that will culminate in semi‑finals on August 2 and a final on August 3.
In the opening fixture of Pool A, Raja Karan Hockey Academy from Tamil Nadu faced Khalsa Hockey Academy, edging out a 2‑0 victory. Captain Rakhi was the decisive factor, converting both goals in the second half to secure the win.
Later in the day, Tamil Nadu Hockey Academy delivered a dominant performance, thrashing Hockey Family Badhkhalsa NCR Hockey Society 8‑0. Midfielder S Pooja starred with a hat‑trick, underscoring the academy’s attacking depth.
Pool B also produced fireworks when Ritu Rani Hockey Academy routed Vadipatti Raja Hockey Academy 13‑0. Forward Khushdeep Kaur was in sensational form, netting four goals and contributing to a total of twelve goals for her side.
The host state’s own team, Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy, continued the trend of comfortable wins, defeating Bhai Behlo Hockey Academy Bhagta 12‑0. The result highlighted the growing competitiveness of regional academies.
With twelve squads divided into two pools of six, the tournament employs a points‑based system: three points for a win, one for a draw and none for a loss. In the event of a tie for classification, a penalty shoot‑out will decide the ranking.
Road to the Final
The top two teams from each pool will advance to the semi‑finals scheduled for August 2. The winners of those matches will contest the championship on August 3, while the losers will meet in a third‑place playoff.
Beyond the on‑field action, organisers say the championship not only provides a platform for emerging talent but also reinforces Hockey India’s commitment to developing women’s hockey at the grassroots level.