New Delhi: Hockey India on Friday introduced a new promotion and relegation system in the Senior Women National Championships to be held in the next month in Panchkula. The event which will be held from March 1 to March 12 in the city will see participation from as many as 28 teams which will be divided into three divisions – A, B, and C.
The reason behind the introduction of the new format is to enhance the level of competition and also provide a pathway for the teams to go up to higher divisions or risk relegation based on their performances. On the occasion of the introduction of new system, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said that that this marks a significant step in raising the standard of the sport across the country.
What is the promotion and relegation system ?
The new system is aimed at ensuring every game in the Championship holds importance, whether it’s a battle for the title or to avoid relegation. For the fans, excitement doubles in the tournament and teams will get an opportunity to display their skills and aim for the summit.
How will it work?
The top 12 teams will be competing in Division A which will see a further split into as many as four pools of three side each and will play in a league format within their respective pools. Further, the top two teams from each of the pool will go into the quarterfinals of the event, which is scheduled for March 9 and then the semifinals on March 10. The final match and third/fourth place play-off will be held on March 12.
Additionally, the last two teams will be relegated to Division B for the next edition and nine teams will compete in the Division. The competition will be based on a goal of earning promotion to Division A. Five teams would be in Pool A and Pool B. Hockey India confirmed that the top two teams will earn promotion to Division A for the next season while the last two will be relegated to Division C. Division B, meanwhile, will have no knockout rounds with the league standings determining the promotions and relegations.
Meanwhile, seven teams in Division C will eye for promotion to Division B which will feature three teams in Pool A and four in Pool B. Division C will also feature only league games with top two teams securing promotion to Division B. Points will be awarded on the basis of performance in the league games and in Division A, the league stage will culminate with the knockout rounds, while Divisions B and C will end with final standings determined solely by league matches.
(With PTI inpust)
The new system is aimed at ensuring every game in the Championship holds importance, whether it’s a battle for the title or to avoid relegation. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
