The 15th edition of the Hockey India Senior Women National Championship is set to bring a fresh wave of excitement with a new format featuring a promotion and relegation system.
As the tournament kicks off on March 1 in Panchkula, here’s a breakdown of what’s different this year and how it will impact the competition.
What is the new format introduced for the 2025 edition?
Hockey India has introduced a promotion and relegation system, dividing the 28 participating teams into three divisions – Division A, Division B, and Division C. This format ensures that teams have a pathway to move up or down based on their performance, making every match crucial.
How are the teams divided?
– Division A: 12 top-ranked teams competing for the championship title.
– Division B: 9 teams fighting for promotion to Division A.
– Division C: 7 teams aiming to rise to Division B.
How will the championship be decided in Division A?
– The 12 teams are split into four pools of three teams each.
– Each team plays in a league format within their pool.
– The top two teams from each pool qualify for the Quarterfinals on March 9.
– The tournament then progresses to Semifinals on March 10 and the Final on March 12.
– The bottom two teams in Division A will be relegated to Division B for the next edition.
How does promotion and relegation work in Division B and C?
– Division B: 9 teams are divided into two pools and play in a league format.
– The top two teams get promoted to Division A.
– The bottom two teams get relegated to Division C.
– Division C: 7 teams, split into two pools, also play in a league format.
– The top two teams move up to Division B.
Is there a knockout stage in Division B and C?
No, Divisions B and C will only have league matches. The final standings will determine promotions and relegations.
What is the points system?
– Win: 3 points
– Draw: 1 point
– Loss: 0 points