2nd All India U-16 Women’s Grassroot Hockey Invitational Tournament 2024

Rourkela, Odisha — November 11, 2024 — The Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High-Performance Centre (HPC), in conjunction with the Department of Sports and Youth Services (DSYS), Odisha, proudly concluded the 2nd All India U-16 Women’s Grassroot Hockey Invitational Tournament 2024. This thrilling tournament showcased the talent and determination of young female athletes from across India, with CINI Jharkhand securing victory in the grand finale.

Held from November 5 to November 10, 2024, at Rourkela’s Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium and Panposh Sports Hostel, the event brought together 16 teams competing for the coveted title. After a competitive series of matches, Gurundia HTC, Kuarmunda HTC, CINI Jharkhand, and Lathikata HTC emerged as semi-finalists. The intense semi-final matches culminated in an exciting final showdown, where CINI Jharkhand clinched the title, leaving fans and supporters in awe of their performance and teamwork.

Celebrating Young Talent and Sportsmanship

The tournament, designed to foster young talent in a supportive and challenging environment, saw inspiring performances from teams representing various states. Each match exhibited the players’ grit, teamwork, and skill development, with standout performances that promise a bright future for Indian hockey.

CINI Jharkhand emerged as the tournament champion, while Gurundia HTC earned the runner-up position and Kuarmunda got the 3rd Place, showcasing exceptional dedication and talent. Awards for individual performances, including Player of the Match, Best Defender, Best Goalkeeper, Best Midfielder, and Best Striker, were also presented to recognize the standout achievements of young athletes who demonstrated extraordinary potential throughout the event.

The grand finale was graced by several distinguished guests, whose presence underscored the importance of supporting young athletes and grassroots development in hockey:

• Dilip Ray, former Union Minister, Government of India, who served as the Chief Guest and commended the young players for their dedication and skills.
• Rajesh Mohapatra, former President of Urban Cooperative Bank, encouraged the athletes to continue striving for excellence in their sports careers.
• Kalu Charan Choudhury, Senior Hockey Coach, highlighted the tournament’s role in honing the skills of young talent.
• Malaya Ranjan Mohapatra, Representative Deputy Speaker, emphasized the importance of fostering youth talent in sports.
• Ankush Verma, State Youth Vice President of BJP, expressed his admiration for the players’ resilience and sportsmanship.

The esteemed guests praised the Odisha Naval Tata Hockey HPC and DSYS for their commitment to developing India’s grassroots hockey ecosystem, especially for young female athletes. Their encouraging words inspired the young players and further cemented the tournament’s significance as a stepping stone for aspiring hockey stars.

Odisha’s Commitment to Grassroots Hockey and Gender Equality

This year’s tournament emphasized the Odisha Naval Tata Hockey HPC and DSYS’s shared mission to support and promote women in sports, creating opportunities for girls to pursue hockey at competitive and professional levels. The tournament provided young players with access to professional facilities, expert coaching, and the invaluable experience of competing at a national level, further strengthening Odisha’s position as a hub for hockey development in India.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Women’s Hockey in India

Reflecting on the tournament’s success, Rajiv Seth (Project Director, Odisha Naval Tata Hockey HPC) said, “The success of the 2nd All India U-16 Women’s Grassroot Hockey Invitational Tournament marks an exciting future for Indian women’s hockey. It has been incredibly fulfilling to see the passion and determination of these young players. This tournament—the only grassroots competition dedicated to young women in Indian hockey—stands as a testament to our commitment to grassroots development and gender equality. It is a proud moment for Odisha to host this unique event, with five other states participating and fully utilizing the world-class stadium and excellent facilities available at the grassroots level. We are thrilled to build on this momentum and continue supporting the future of women’s hockey in India”

The Odisha Naval Tata Hockey HPC and DSYS are dedicated to nurturing young hockey talent and creating a supportive pathway for athletes to reach national and international platforms.