Andhra Pra-desh will defend both the boys’ and girls’ titles in the 16th National Sub-Junior throwball championship beginning at the Hombegowda Nagar stadium here from January 14.

Hosts Karnataka, who were runners-up in both the categories last time around, will be gunning for revenge at their home turf in the three-day event.

A total of 700 players from 26 state associations, will participate in the championship to be played in a league-cum-knockout format. In the boys’ section, besides Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, and Delhi are strong contenders, while Mumbai, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Haryana along with hosts Karnataka are tipped for top honours in the girls’ section.

The Indian sub-junior boys and girls’ teams for the Indo-Malaysia championship to be held in Malaysia in May will be selected during the event.