National Jr Hockey C'ship from today

LAHORE - The 27th National Junior Hockey Championship will roll into action here at the National Hockey Stadium from today (Thursday).

Addressing a press conference, Punjab Hockey Association secretary Rana Mujahid said that 18 teams are participating in a week long activity that will be played at both the pitches of the stadium.

NWFP Whites will take on Northern Area in the opening match of 27th Under-20 Championship, the final of which will be played on August 29.

Former Olympian Mujahid, who is secretary Punjab Hockey Association and also the organising secretary of the tournament along with Zahir Shah, Secretary NWFP Hockey Association and Tournament Director said that the competition would give an impetus to lift the standard of hockey which has fallen so low during the last couple of years.

He said that strict action would be taken against those teams and officials who would induct overage players and for this reason an 'Age Credential Check Committee' has been formed.

Rana Mujahid also said former Olympic hockey captain and PHF Secretary General Brig (retd) M.H Atif would inaugurate the championship.

Eighteen teams will take part in the championship which had been divided into four pools.