The Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams delivered outstanding performances at the 2026 , capturing gold medals together for the first time in 28 years.
This achievement has sparked interest in how players are selected for the national team through various domestic tournaments.
Aspiring hockey players must first secure a spot on their district-level teams. To identify talent, Hockey India organizes numerous tournaments at the grassroots level. Consistent performance at this level can lead to selection for state teams. Hockey India conducts various tournaments at the state level to further develop players.
The Senior National Hockey Championship is crucial for those aiming to join the national team. Established in 1928, this tournament is considered the most important domestic event for selection purposes. Originally known as the Rangaswamy Cup, it was renamed in 2011. Teams from every state, union territory, and various departments, such as Railways and the Army, compete in this championship. Players who excel can catch the selectors’ attention, leading to trials at the national camp.
This championship features 29 teams, categorized into three divisions based on last year’s performances. Division A comprises 12 teams, split into four pools of three. The top two teams from each pool advance to the quarter-finals, followed by semi-finals and ultimately the final match.
Division B includes 10 teams divided into two pools, where the goal is to secure a and earn promotion to Division A the following year. Division C consists of seven teams, also competing for promotion similar to Division B.
In addition to the Senior National Hockey Championship, Hockey India now organizes the Hockey India League. Players who perform well in these tournaments can also stake their claim for a spot on the national team. Hockey India conducts a camp to assess players’ skills, fitness, and strategic understanding before final selections are made. The government has also initiated efforts to identify and promote talent at the school level, which is expected to yield benefits in the future.