Simdega, considered as the state’s hockey nursery, will host the 11^th national junior women’s hockey meet from October 30, Hockey India announced on Monday.

The statement paves the way for a national level meet in Jharkhand post the second wave of Covid-19.

The district last hosted the big ticket tournament in March this year, before the outbreak of the second wave of the covid-19 pandemic in the state, by successfully organising the 11^th sub junior and junior women’s tournaments.

Welcoming the announcement of the meet, Hockey Jharkhand secretary Vijay Shankar Singh said that over 600 players from different states along with technical officials are expected to be at the tournament.

“Even though Covid-19 cases have dipped, we are keeping our fingers crossed that the situation doesn’t turn ugly once again. The state hockey outfit will ensure all the prescribed health protocols are maintained to put up a great show during the tournament,” he said.

The upcoming tournament will also be important as it will also pave the way for selection of players for the national junior team said Hockey Jharkhand officials.

Hockey Simdega President Manoj Konbegi informed that the upcoming meet was originally scheduled from April 3 but had to be postponed due to the pandemic.

“In 2016, when Ranchi hosted the national junior women’s meet, Salima Tete got a break in the national squad based on her performance. Gradually, she ended up playing in the Tokyo Olympics this year. We hope that the 11^th edition will be another opportunity for our players to get through the national side,” said Konbegi.