Sardar Singh Backs Resurgent Hockey India League, Paving Way for Equal Opportunity

Former captain Sardar Singh supports the Hockey India League's return, praising its role in enhancing both men's and women's hockey in India. The 2024-25 season will feature eight men's and six women's teams, highlighting Hockey India's commitment to gender parity. The league's first auction is set for mid-October 2023.

Former Indian Men's Hockey team captain, Sardar Singh, has voiced his support for the revival of the Hockey India League (HIL), emphasizing its potential positive impact on the sport and its players. Speaking to ANI, Singh commended the initiative, noting that the HIL offers players rare opportunities to compete with elite international talent.

Singh's comments underscore the league's role in exposing young talent to top-level competition, crucial for the growth of hockey in India. The upcoming HIL 2024-25 will run from late December 2024 to early February 2025, featuring eight men's teams and, for the first time, six women's teams, as sanctioned by the International Hockey Federation.

This inclusion of women's teams marks a historic shift in the league, reflecting Hockey India's commitment to promoting women's hockey. Holding simultaneous men's and women's competitions highlights a significant step towards gender parity in sports. The league's auction will occur on October 13-15 in New Delhi, spotlighting this progressive advance.

Hockey India has consistently advocated for equal opportunities for both male and female athletes, providing identical facilities, exposure, and financial incentives. This commitment has been pivotal in inspiring female athletes and strengthening the morale of the women's hockey squad nationwide.

(With inputs from agencies.)