The Indian hockey scene has seen remarkable achievements in recent years, with the men’s team clinching back-to-back Olympic medals and triumphing in the Asian Champions Trophy. This surge in success is largely attributed to the Hockey India League (HIL), which has become a pivotal platform for the sport. With the women’s team also showing significant progress, the enthusiasm among Indian hockey fans has never been more vibrant. In response, Hockey India (HI) has decided to revive the HIL after a seven-year hiatus. Notably, this season will mark the introduction of women’s teams in the franchise-based league, an exciting development aimed at promoting gender inclusivity in sports.
Hockey India’s Ambitious Plan
The revamped Hockey India League is scheduled to kick off in December 2024, with player auctions set to take place from October 13 to 15. A bold financial strategy has been unveiled, targeting a total expenditure of Rs 3,640 crore over the next decade. Hockey India plans to invest Rs 112 crore annually, totaling Rs 1,120 crore. The remaining Rs 2,520 crore will be financed by the franchise owners, and an agreement ensuring this investment has already been established. This substantial financial commitment aims to foster the growth of hockey in India, develop new infrastructure, and provide players with a robust platform to showcase their talent.
Looking Back at HIL’s Legacy
The history of the Hockey India League dates back to its initial run from 2013 to 2017, which featured not only local talent but also renowned international players. The earlier editions of the league contributed significantly to the popularity of hockey in India. The decision to re-launch HIL comes from HI’s desire to prevent a repeat of the previous closure and to ensure sustainable operations for years to come.
Details of the Upcoming Auction
The upcoming edition of HIL will feature a competitive structure with 8 men’s teams and 6 women’s teams participating. The league is set to commence on December 28, 2024, with the final match scheduled for February 5, 2025, and the women’s final taking place on January 26, 2025. All matches will be held in the cities of Rourkela and Ranchi, creating a festive atmosphere for hockey enthusiasts.
This season will adopt an auction format similar to that of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Each team must form a squad of 24 players, and the base auction prices have been established at Rs 2 lakh, 5 lakh, and 10 lakh, giving players the liberty to choose their starting price. The auction will ignite excitement, as teams bid for players starting from their base price, further heightening the competitive spirit of the league.
