After a seven-year break, the Hockey India League is back in operation. When it was announced that the Hockey India League (HIL) would be returning after a seven-year break, Indian hockey fans were ecstatic. Hockey India formally announced the rebirth on Friday, promising to revive the game that has been sorely missed since 2017. For the 2024–2025 edition, women’s leagues will now be featured alongside men’s leagues.
“We Are excited to be part of the new wave of Hockey fever in
the country and are confident that Hockey India League (HIL)
will grow rapidly in the first few seasons.”
~Mahesh Bhupathi, CEO, SG Sports and Entertainment.
In 2013, the Hockey India League came into being. Up until 2017, it went on for a few seasons. Before it ended, the Kalinga Lancers were being declared the tournament’s last champions. The new edition of the HIL brings with it renewed excitement and a stronger format, ensuring it stands out as one of the premier hockey leagues globally. According to Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey, the league will provide a 35-40 day window to maximize international player participation, thereby raising the competition’s overall level and prestige.
Structure of the Tournament
There will be a total of eight groups participating in the men’s division, all competing in Rourkela, Odisha. Six teams are set to take part in the first tournament for girls, which will take place in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The confirmed teams for the men’s event include the Delhi SG Pipers, Kalinga Lancers, Hyderabad Toofans, Lucknow, Punjab, Chennai, Kolkata, and Ranchi. The final groupings have not yet been shown, although on the women’s side, teams including Delhi SG Pipers, Kolkata (Sharchi Sports), Haryana (JSW Sports), and Odisha (Navoyam Sports) have been unveiled.
It is claimed that the men’s tournament will start on February 1, 2025, and the women’s final set will happen on January 26, 2025.
Key Players and Auction
PR Sreejesh, a legendary figure in Indian hockey and a former goalie, will be seen coaching young players at several clubs. Alongside him, Graham Reid, one of the finest former Australian players will be serving as the Head Coach, contributing his captaincy to sharpen the teams’ performances.
The 2018 season’s player auction will take place in New Delhi from October 13 to 15. In addition to a minimum of 24 players, each squad is supposed to have a balance of 16 Indians and up to eight international recruits on each side. The auction structure with base prices is set at Rs 2 lakh, Rs 5 lakh, and Rs 10 lakh, which ensures that there is healthy competition for top talent. Teams will comprise a purse of Rs 4 crore for the men’s tournament and Rs 2 crore for the women’s, allowing them to strategize and invest in a well-balanced play.
Future Vision
The fact that India has secured a yearly HIL window until 2034, highlights its long-term vision and potential. The exclusive window ensures the participation of international talent without any clashes which improves competitiveness while giving Indian aspirants a chance to learn from best across the globe.
The return of the HIL, alongside the introduction of the women’s league, marks a significant step forward for Indian hockey.
