The 16th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship 2026 began this morning in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The tournament features country’s finest junior men’s hockey teams who compete over 12 days till 8th of August to decide the national champions. Action on the opening day began with Assam taking on Mizoram in a Division ‘C’ Pool A match. 

 

A total of 30 teams are participating across Division ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’, with promotion and relegation adding further significance to every fixture. While Division ‘A’ teams will compete for the championship title, teams in Divisions ‘B’ and ‘C’ will battle for promotion to the next division.

 

Speaking ahead of the championship, Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey said, the tournament continues to play a crucial role in strengthening India’s hockey ecosystem by providing young players with a highly competitive platform to showcase their abilities. 

 

Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh added that the Junior Men National Championship is an important step in the development pathway for aspiring hockey players across the country. 

 

The tournament will follow a league format during the pool stage, with teams earning three points for a win, one point for a draw, and no points for a loss. In Division ‘A’ classification matches where a winner is required, tied contests will be decided through a shoot-out in accordance with the FIH Tournament Regulations.