Bengaluru

The Hockey India League (HIL) is making a comeback this December after a seven-year break. The revamped HIL 2024-25 will include eight men’s teams and six women’s teams, marking India’s first standalone women’s league that runs alongside the men’s competition. The league will kick off on December 28, with matches hosted at two venues: the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand, and the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, Odisha.

The Women’s League is set to wrap up on January 26, in Ranchi, while the Men’s Final will take place on February 1, in Rourkela. Salima Tete, captain of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team and a Jharkhand native, dreams of playing in the Women’s League Final on home ground.

Salima shared her enthusiasm for the HIL’s return, noting that the team has been eagerly discussing it. It’s exciting that the HIL is back after seven years, especially with a Women’s League this time. This is a fantastic chance for us to play alongside and against international players, she said.

She emphasized the positive impact the league will have on younger players, giving them insights into the professional routines of both Indian and foreign athletes. The player auction for HIL 2024-25 will take place from October 13 to 15 in New Delhi, allowing each franchise to build a squad of 24 players, including junior talent and international stars.