The excitement around Indian hockey is palpable as the sport gears up for a significant revival. Fans recently celebrated the men’s hockey team clinching bronze medals in two consecutive Olympic Games, while the women’s team shows promising improvements with each passing day. In light of the increasing enthusiasm for hockey, the Hockey India League (HIL) is making a grand comeback after a seven-year hiatus. Set to commence in December 2024, this franchise-based league not only promises thrilling matches but will also feature a women’s league for the very first time.
History and Evolution of the Hockey India League
The Hockey India League, which originally ran from 2013 to 2017, brought together elite hockey talent from around the globe. Although the previous editions focused solely on men’s teams, the successes of the Indian national team at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics are attributed to the league’s impact during those early years. On October 4, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey officially announced the return of the league in New Delhi, emphasizing its role in building a robust future for Indian hockey.
Participating Teams
This season, the HIL will feature 8 men’s teams and will kick off with 6 women’s teams, an increase from the 6 men’s teams in the last competition. According to reports, the participating men’s teams and their respective owners include:
- Chennai – Charles Group
- Lucknow – Yadu Sports
- Delhi – SG Sports-Entertainment
- Kolkata – Shrachi Group
- Odisha – Vedanta
- Hyderabad – Resolute Sports
- Ranchi – Navoyam Sports
- Punjab – JSW Sports
For the inaugural women’s league, confirmed teams include Delhi, Kolkata, Odisha, and Haryana (JSW Sports) with two more teams yet to be announced.
League Schedule and Venues
The league has been allocated a January-February window by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for the next five years. The matches are set to commence on December 28, 2024, with the women’s event concluding on January 26, 2025. The final match of the men’s league is scheduled for February 5, 2025. Unlike the Indian Premier League which features matches on home grounds, all games will be held in Rourkela and Ranchi, ensuring a centralized and exciting fan experience.
Player Selection Process
In a bid to enhance competitiveness, Hockey India will implement an auction system similar to that of the IPL. Player registration concluded in August, and several prominent international players have signed up. The auction will take place across three days—October 13, 14, and 15—where each team will assemble a squad of 24 players. The base prices for players are set at Rs 2 lakh, 5 lakh, and 10 lakh, allowing players to choose their starting bid. The auction will commence from these base prices, adding a thrilling dimension to the team-building process.
In summary, the return of the Hockey India League is poised to reinvigorate the sport and provide a platform for both men’s and women’s hockey, fostering growth at all levels. As anticipation builds, fans can look forward to intense competition, showcasing the rising talents of Indian hockey on a global stage.
