New Delhi, Dec 15 (FN Agency) Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) Anurag Thakur on Wednesday formally inaugurated the first-ever national level Khelo India Women’s Hockey League (Under 21) at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi. Sports Minister was joined by Minister of State Nishith Pramanik and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Narendra Batra and other dignitaries. The league holds a cash prize of Rs 30 lakh for the winners, 15 lakh from MYAS and 15 lakh from Hockey India.
A total of 14 teams are competing in the first phase of the tournament to be held from December 15 to 21. As many as 42 matches will be played during the first phase, while the second and third phase will be held early next year. Congratulating the Sports Authority of India and Hockey India for jointly organising the first-ever national level Khelo India league, Thakur spoke of the importance of these leagues and said, “All our athletes train very hard through the year, but it is very important for athletes to also get enough competition exposure if they have to prepare themselves for bigger competitions in the future. “Therefore, having leagues of this kind, that give athletes competition exposure throughout the year, is crucial.” Reiterating the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pramanik mentioned: “Led by the vision of Modiji, we are taking forward the campaign of Cheer 4 India through this league. I believe there are many such young players who will always make sure we keep our flag high in the sporting arena.” Batra said that the league would do wonders in terms of taking hockey to every part of India. “I believe this is a big initiative. The support from SAI and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in the last 5-6 years have been immense and this positive attitude has helped in getting a very good result for hockey in the Olympics this year,” Batra said.