Hockey India League Returns with Men's and Women's Teams

The much-anticipated Hockey India League (HIL) is set to make a grand return after a seven-year hiatus, with both men's and women's teams participating in the event from December 28. The men's competition will feature eight teams, while six sides will compete in the women's event, which is being held for the first time. The league will be played in two venues — Rourkela for men and Ranchi for women — from December 28 to February 1.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has granted a 10-year sanction for the HIL. The player auction for the league will be held from October 13 to 15. A total of 10 franchise owners have come on board, and players will be auctioned in three categories: Rs 2 lakh, Rs 5 lakh, and Rs 10 lakh.

The return of the HIL is not only a significant moment in the history of the sport but also a major step forward in promoting women's hockey. The introduction of an exclusive women's league within the HIL framework is seen as providing a platform for female athletes to showcase their prowess, paving the way for a more inclusive and competitive future for Indian hockey.

The franchise owners of the men's event are:

* Chennai – Charles Group

* Lucknow – Yadu Sports

* Punjab – JSW Sports

* West Bengal – Shrachi Sports

* Delhi – SG Sports and Entertainment, owned by tennis legend Mahesh Bhupathi

* Odisha – Vedanta Limited

* Hyderabad – Resolute Sports

* Ranchi – Navoyam Sports Ventures Private Limited

The women team owners are:

* Haryana – JSW Sports

* West Bengal – Shrachi Sports

* Delhi – SG Sports and Entertainment

* Odisha - Navoyam Sports Ventures Private Limited

The remaining two franchise owners of the women's league will be announced later. Each franchise will have a 24-player squad, consisting of at least 16 Indian players (with a mandatory inclusion of four junior players) and eight international stars.

The final of the women's league is scheduled for January 26 next year in Ranchi, while the men's summit clash will be held on February 1 in Rourkela. Hockey India president and chairman of HIL, Dilip Tirkey, expressed his delight at the revival of the league, saying it was his dream since taking over the charge of the federation.

"Premier Hockey League started the culture of league in the world. Since the day we were elected it was our dream to revive the league and today the dream has been fulfilled," Tirkey said during the launch of the event in New Delhi on Friday (October 4, 2024).

"HIL has been and will be a supply chain for the national teams. HIL is going to create a history for the sport. HIL is very important for world hockey. We are thankful to International Hockey Federation (FIH) for giving us 35 days window," he said.

HI secretary general Bhola Nath Singh agreed with Tirkey, saying starting the HIL was their aim from day one after taking charge of the federation.

"The first day we joined our first though was to restart HIL. It was long time waiting. Hockey is not just a sport in India, it is in our hearts," Singh said.

He also announced that the Odisha government has extended its sponsorship deal with Indian hockey till 2036.

Tags: #HockeyIndiaLeague, #HIL, #Hockey, #Women'sHockey, #Sports