Pune, Sept 4 (Reporter) The 4th edition of the Hockey India Senior Men Inter-Department National Championship is set to take place at the Major Dhyanchand Hockey Stadium in Pimpri, here in Maharashtra, from September 5 to 15. Eighteen departmental teams from across the nation will vie for the coveted title, promising over a week of intense hockey action. The teams are divided into four pools, Pool A includes defending champions Petroleum Sports Promotion Board, ITBP Central Hockey Team, Sports Authority of India, Central Civil Services Cultural & Sports, and Central Board of Direct Taxes. Pool B features Railways Sports Promotion Board, All India Police Sports Control Board, Canara Bank, Sports Authority of Gujarat - Hockey Academy, and Steel Plants Sports Board. Pool C comprises Services Sports Control Board, Food Corporation of India, Sashastra Seema Bal, and Tamil Nadu Police while Pool D includes Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Punjab National Bank, Comptroller & Auditor General of India, and Central Reserve Police Force. The top two teams from each pool will qualify for the quarter finals, followed by semi finals, third/fourth place and finals. The opening day will see the defending champions, Petroleum Sports Promotion Board face Central Civil Services Cultural & Sports, while ITBP Central Hockey Team takes on the Central Board of Direct Taxes. In Pool B, Railways Sports Promotion Board will go head-to-head with Sports Authority of Gujarat - Hockey Academy, followed by a clash between All India Police Sports Control Board and Steel Plants Sports Board. "This year's championship again promises to be a thrilling spectacle with the participation of top departmental teams. The level of competition is rising significantly and we expect to witness top quality hockey, as it unfolds" said Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey. Echoing these sentiments, Bhola Nath Singh, Secretary General of Hockey India, said, "We are thrilled to welcome 18 teams to this year's championship, showcasing the breadth and depth of hockey talent across departments. As the tournament progresses, we look forward to seeing fierce competition and outstanding performances...////...