36th KD Singh Babu U-14 Hockey Tournament Set to Begin in Lucknow
The historic city of Lucknow is gearing up to host a prestigious youth hockey event that promises to showcase emerging talent from across the nation. The KD Singh 'Babu' Society will organize the 36th All-India KD Singh 'Babu' Sub-Junior Boys (Under-14) Prize Money Hockey Tournament from February 2 to 11, 2024. This exciting competition will take place at the iconic Padma Shri Mohd Shahid Stadium, a venue that has witnessed numerous memorable sporting moments.
Olympic Champion Mervyn Fernandes to Grace Opening Ceremony
Adding significant star power to the event, Olympic gold medallist Mervyn Fernandes will serve as the chief guest for the opening ceremony. Fernandes, who was part of India's triumphant 1980 Moscow Olympics hockey team and a distinguished Arjuna Award recipient, brings immense inspiration to the young participants. His presence underscores the tournament's importance in nurturing future hockey champions who might follow in his legendary footsteps.
Substantial Prize Money and Competitive Format
The tournament features an attractive total prize pool of Rs 5 lakh, distributed among the top-performing teams. The champions will be rewarded with Rs 2 lakh, while the runners-up will receive Rs 1.5 lakh. This financial incentive not only adds competitive edge but also recognizes the dedication of young athletes. Matches will be conducted using a league-cum-knockout format, ensuring comprehensive competition where teams must demonstrate consistency in the initial league phase before advancing to the high-stakes knockout rounds.
Diverse Participation from Across India
Sixteen talented teams from various states and academies will compete for the coveted title, representing a wide geographical spread and diverse hockey traditions. The participating teams include:
- UP Karam
- Rajasthan Hockey Association
- JAI Hockey Academy (Tamil Nadu)
- Naval Tata Hockey Academy (Bhubaneswar)
- Tata Steel (Jamshedpur)
- Roundglass Hockey Academy (Mohali)
- South East Organisation (Manipur)
- Flickers Brother (Haryana)
- Manmohan Singh Sports Academy (Haryana)
- Hockey Tripura
- Holy World Sports Academy (Punjab)
- OBHA (Tamil Nadu)
- Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Academy (Haryana)
- Hockey Assam
- Punjab State Sports Academy (Punjab)
- Sports Development Authority (Tamil Nadu)
This diverse lineup highlights the tournament's national appeal and its role in fostering hockey development at the grassroots level. The event serves as a crucial platform for young players to gain valuable experience, compete against peers from different regions, and potentially catch the eye of national selectors.
