New Delhi, Aug 12 (IANS): Following the success of the Khelo India Women's Hockey League (U-21) held over three phases here and Lucknow earlier this year, a similar league for U-16 girls is scheduled to start on August 16 at the Major Dhyanchand stadium in the national capital.

Phase 1 of the 1st Khelo India Women's Hockey League (U-16) is scheduled from August 16 to 23 where a total of 16 teams across the country are participating. A total of 56 matches will be played in Phase 1 and over 300 players will compete. The Sports Authority of India has allocated a total of Rs 53.72 lakh for 3 phases of the competition, which includes Prize money of Rs 15.5 lakh.

"It is another great step taken by the Khelo India and Hockey India by organising 1st Khelo India Women's Hockey League Under -16, after completion of the 1st Khelo India Women's Hockey League U-21 recently," mentioned Piyush Kumar Dubey, former coach, Indian Men's Hockey Team.

"In current scenario there are lot of competition/tournament exposures are in place only for the Senior category but, and specially in Women Hockey at Junior and Sub Junior level they don't have such numbers of tournaments and competition where they can sharpen, assess their training and capabilities. That's why initiating such Khelo India League at Sub junior level definitely going to play a major role in future in terms of Athletes performance and overall development and also make them learn how to handle such competition pressures," Dubey added.

Phase 1 and 2 of the Khelo India Women's Hockey League (U-16) will be in round-robin format. The final ranking of teams will be determined after the completion of first 2 phases. Phase 3 will consist of classification matches where each team will play a minimum of 3 matches.