Coimbatore, Udumalpet to host state-level junior hockey tournament for boys

COIMBATORE: Around 700 players representing 35 teams from across Tamil Nadu are expected to participate in a state-level hockey tournament for boys under the age of 19 that will be held in Coimbatore and Udumalpet from April 28 to May 2.The tournament is being jointly organised by the Tamil Nadu Hockey Unit and the Coimbatore District Hockey Association as part of the efforts to promote the sport across the state.District-level teams from across Tamil Nadu will participate in the event, which is being organized with the approval of Hockey India.Matches will be played in both league and knockout formats, promising competitive action for hockey enthusiasts.In Coimbatore, the matches will be held on the Astro Turf ground in R S Puram.Officials said the tournament would serve as an important platform for selecting the Tamil Nadu team for the 16th National Junior Championship. The matches will be conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations of Hockey India, ensuring a high standard of competition. State selection committee will closely monitor the performance of players to identify talented athletes who will represent Tamil Nadu at the national level.