The Hockey India League (HIL) is making a much-anticipated comeback in December 2024 after a seven-year hiatus, and this revamped edition promises excitement for hockey fans. Starting on December 28, 2024, the league will feature both men’s and women’s teams for the first time, marking a significant development in Indian hockey. The men’s and women’s tournaments will run simultaneously, with matches taking place across two venues—Ranchi and Rourkela, Odisha. The women’s final is scheduled for January 26, 2025, in Ranchi, while the men’s final will be on February 1, 2025, in Rourkela.
Teams and Owners
Men’s Teams
- Chennai – Owned by Charles Group
- Lucknow – Owned by Yadu Sports (a part of JK Cement Ltd)
- Punjab – Owned by JSW Sports
- West Bengal – Owned by Shrachi Sports
- Delhi – Owned by SG Sports and Entertainment
- Odisha – Owned by Vedanta Limited
- Hyderabad – Owned by Resolute Sports
- Ranchi – Owned by Navoyam Sports Ventures Private Limited
Women’s Teams
- Haryana – Owned by JSW Sports
- West Bengal – Owned by Shrachi Sports
- Delhi – Owned by SG Sports and Entertainment
- Odisha – Owned by Navoyam Sports Ventures Private Limited
- (Note: Two women’s teams are yet to be announced due to ongoing legal formalities)
Key Highlights
This rebooted version of the HIL comes with a commitment to showcase Indian talent while incorporating international flair. Each team will have a 24-player squad consisting of 16 Indian players, including at least four junior athletes, and eight international players. This format aims to promote youth development and maintain a competitive edge by bringing global hockey stars into the mix.
The return of HIL has been hailed as a critical moment for Indian hockey, which has seen a resurgence with Olympic medals in both men’s and women’s categories in recent years. HIL’s past success in raising the level of competition and visibility for Indian players was acknowledged by prominent figures like Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India, who emphasized the league’s role in propelling Indian hockey to greater heights(
Impact on Women’s Hockey
For the first time, a standalone women’s hockey league will run alongside the men’s competition. This is a groundbreaking development for Indian women’s hockey, providing a much-needed platform for female players to showcase their skills and compete at a high level. As the league is set to attract international players, it is expected to raise the profile and standard of women’s hockey in India, mirroring the success of the men’s format
Player Auction and Expectations
The player auction will take place from October 13-15, 2024, and players will be categorized into three price brackets: ₹2 lakh, ₹5 lakh, and ₹10 lakh. The auction is expected to see participation from top international players, making this edition of the HIL one of the most competitive yet. Owners of the various franchises are enthusiastic about building strong teams that can inspire future generations and contribute to Indian hockey’s growth.
With the return of the HIL, hopes are high that it will have the same transformative impact on hockey as leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) have had on cricket and the Indian Super League (ISL) on football. The league’s return is perfectly timed to further nurture India’s hockey talent and solidify the nation’s standing in the global hockey arena.
This relaunch is more than just a sporting event; it’s a statement of intent for Indian hockey, with expectations that it will revitalize interest in the sport, attract investment, and inspire a new generation of players. Fans can look forward to top-tier action, nail-biting finishes (thanks to new shootout rules), and a promising future for both men’s and women’s hockey in India.
