The Hockey India League (HIL) is making a much-anticipated return, officially confirmed on Friday in Delhi. Hockey India President Dilip Turkey announced the details, revealing a total of eight men’s teams and six women’s teams that will compete in the league. This marks a significant evolution from previous iterations of the HIL, as it will now feature both men's and women's editions, increasing the number of women’s teams from the initially proposed four to six.
This year's tournament is designed to showcase the growing prominence of women's hockey in India, providing a platform for female athletes to shine alongside their male counterparts. The matches will be held simultaneously; however, they will not follow a home-and-away format in 2024. The venues identified for the upcoming HIL are Ranchi and Rourkela, both of which are expected to provide a vibrant atmosphere for the matches.
Team Ownership and Structure
The announcement included details about the franchises and their respective owners. The eight men’s team owners are:
- Charles Group (Chennai)
- Yadu Sports (Lucknow)
- JSW Sports (Punjab and Haryana)
- Shrachi Sports (Kolkata)
- SG Sports and Entertainment (Delhi)
- Vedanta Limited (Odisha)
- Resolute Sports (Hyderabad)
- Navoyam Sports (Ranchi)
In addition to these, the confirmed women’s team owners include:
- JSW Sports (Punjab and Haryana)
- Shrachi Sports (Kolkata)
- SG Sports and Entertainment (Delhi)
- Navoyam Sports (Odisha)
Two more franchises for the women's teams are set to be confirmed shortly before the player auction takes place this month.
Player Auctions
The player auctions are scheduled for October 13, 14, and 15 in New Delhi. This event is highly anticipated, as it will determine the roster of players for each team, creating excitement among fans and stakeholders alike.
Future Plans
Hockey India’s General Secretary, Bholanath Singh, announced that a window has been secured for the HIL to take place annually between the last week of December and the first week of February for at least the next five years. This scheduling has been coordinated with the international federation, FIH, ensuring that the league aligns with global hockey calendars and elevates its status.
The return of the Hockey India League signifies a renewed commitment to developing hockey in India and enhancing the sport's profile both nationally and internationally. With the addition of women's teams, the league aims to foster a more inclusive environment, encouraging greater participation and visibility for female athletes. As the excitement builds towards the player auctions and the commencement of the league, fans can look forward to a thrilling season of competitive hockey ahead.
