24 Teams will be in action in the much delayed Sr. National Championship to be played in Rai (near Sonepat, Delhi) this month. The event, being proposed by Hockey India, a FIH recognized faction, will be held on league cum knockout format.

Conspicuous in the absentees list is Indian Railways, who are the Champions in the last two decades

According to Hockey India media release, these 24 teams are spread in eight pools of three teams each.

The media release also states that the during the course of the Championship, Hockey India Selectors will be in attendance and select the probables for the coaching Camps for the preparation of the nationals teams for various International competitions in 2011.

Indian Women’s team’s Calendar for 2011:
7th FIH Women Champions Challenge I, at Dublin, Ireland in June
2nd Women Asian Champions Trophy at Ordos, China
3rd Girls U-18 Asia Cup at Bangkok, Thailand in September.

The most important assignment for Indian ladies, of course, is the Olympic Women Qualifier to be held in India early next year.