Jharkhand, long regarded as the nursery of Indian hockey, has once again taken centre stage by hosting five School Games Federation of India (SGFI) national tournaments this year, with hockey emerging as one of the marquee events.

Under the 69th National School Games, the Under-17 National Hockey Championship is being organised in Ranchi from January 27 to 31. The tournament has drawn young players from across the country, highlighting the state’s growing stature in school-level sports.

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The championship is witnessing massive participation, with 32 boys’ teams and 33 girls’ teams representing states and various units from across India. The scale of the event makes it one of the largest school-level hockey competitions in the country, reflecting both the sport’s popularity and the steady expansion of sports infrastructure in Jharkhand.

The state government, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, has been actively promoting hockey development. As part of its efforts to encourage and honour sporting excellence, the government has allotted 3,750 square feet of land in Harmu Residential Colony, Ranchi, to international players Salima Tete and Nikki Pradhan. The allotment includes a full exemption from stamp duty and registration charges.

With a clear sports policy, improved infrastructure and focused support from grassroots to elite levels, Jharkhand is steadily positioning itself as a national hub for hockey. As the 69th National School Games unfold in Ranchi, the tournament is not only celebrating the state’s rich legacy in the sport but also shaping the next generation of Indian hockey talent.