KARACHI, Sept 21: Holders Pakistan Railways will start the defence of their crown when the 21st National women’s hockey championship pushes off at the Hockey Club of Pakistan (HCP) Stadium on Friday.

The championship which was scheduled to begin from Thursday has been delayed for a day because the draws of the event could not be taken out on Wednesday as the organizers were still waiting for more teams to arrive.

As many as 12 outstationed teams reached the city by Wednesday evening. These are in addition to the two being fielded by the hosts.

The teams who have arrived are: Sukkur, Larkana, Lahore Colours and Whites, Quetta Colours and Whites, Bahawalpur, Railways, Wapda, Army, Faisalabad and Hyderabad.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) had extended invitation to 22 teams for participation in the competition which is being held after a

gap of a year.

In the last edition of the championship, Railways had thrashed Lahore Colours 7-0 in the final to register sixth successive victory and overall 12th in the competition.

Wapda, who will make their debut in the country’s premier national women’s hockey championship, would pose serious challenge to Railways.

Wapda crowned gold medal at the women’s hockey competition of the national games last year.

Boarding and lodging arrangements for the divisional teams have been arranged at the PHF’s hostel adjacent to the venue while the department were staying separately.

Barrister Shahida Jamil is the chairman organizing committee while Ms Shaista Javaid is the tournament director.

Meanwhile, an umpires meeting was held at the HCP on Wednesday. Another meeting of team captains and managers is due to take place on Thursday.