Hockey India League Returns: A Milestone for Future Stars

The newly-revived Hockey India League is set to play a crucial role in shaping future players and coaches, with competitions running from December 2024 to February 2025. This inclusive league welcomes both men’s and women’s teams, marking a significant step in expanding opportunities for women in Indian hockey.

The Hockey India League (HIL) is making a comeback after a seven-year hiatus, with Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey emphasizing its importance for nurturing future generations of players and coaches. Key national players have emerged from this competition, highlighting its significance. The official announcement of its return was made on Friday.

Set to take place from December 2024 to February 2025, the HIL will feature participation from eight men's teams and six women's teams. In a statement to ANI, Tirkey stressed the league's pivotal role in fostering young talent and thanked the International Hockey Federation President Mohammad Tayyab Ikram for sanctioning the event. Matches will be hosted in Rourkela and Ranchi, with men's games in Rourkela and women's games in Ranchi.

The league aims to enhance opportunities for women, offering world-class facilities and exposure to high-level play. The simultaneous inclusion of men's and women's teams marks a historic milestone in global sports, underscoring Hockey India's commitment to gender equality. The league auction is set for mid-October in New Delhi.

(With inputs from agencies.)