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The Hockey India League (HIL) is set to make a grand return after a seven-year hiatus, with the tournament scheduled from December 28, 2024, to February 5, 2025. The much-anticipated comeback has stirred excitement among hockey enthusiasts.
For the first time in history, the Hockey India League will feature a parallel women's league alongside the men's competition, marking a significant step forward in promoting gender equality in Indian hockey.
The HIL’s return was announced by Hockey India general secretary Bhola Nath Singh during a press conference, streamed live on Hockey India's YouTube channel. Singh confirmed that the 35-day window from December 28 to February 5 has been blocked for the league for the next five years, allowing for consistent scheduling and maximum participation from international players.
"When we had gone to Switzerland to FIH headquarters, I proposed to them to start these leagues and gave the dates. I am grateful that they gave us those dates not just for this year but for the next five years and these dates are blocked for India's Hockey league. For five years, 28 December to 5 February, every year, these dates have been blocked for India's Hockey League by FIH and World Hockey. I am grateful to them for the same," Bhola Nath Singh stated during the press conference.
A New Era for Hockey India League
The last edition of the Hockey India League took place in 2017, after which the league was halted due to financial losses faced by the franchises. However, Hockey India is determined to bring the league back in a bigger and better format.
This time, 14 teams will participate, with eight competing in the men's competition and six in the newly introduced women's tournament. Both tournaments will run simultaneously for 35 days, offering fans an action-packed hockey season.
For the first time in history, HIL will see both men’s and women’s teams competing. The eight men’s teams and six women’s teams will play simultaneously.
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey expressed his enthusiasm for the league's revival, particularly with the participation of international players.
"A clear 35-40 day window will enable maximum participation from foreign players in HIL, thus making it one of the most competitive leagues in the world and also signifies the importance of HIL," Tirkey said.
