The Hockey India League (HIL) is making a highly anticipated comeback in the 2024-25 season after a seven-year break. This reboot is generating excitement among fans, players, and franchises alike, particularly with the introduction of the first-ever women’s league running parallel to the men's competition. The league, which originally launched in 2013, had a significant impact on elevating the profile of Indian hockey and fostering the growth of players through a competitive platform that blended international and domestic talent. Despite its initial success, HIL was suspended in 2017 due to financial constraints. Now, with a new and improved format, it promises to reinvigorate Indian hockey.
A Brief History of HIL
The Hockey India League was conceived in 2013 with the goal of promoting hockey and developing talent in India by providing an elite competition. The league brought together top Indian and international players, attracting global attention to Indian hockey. During its early years, HIL served as a springboard for players like Mandeep Singh and Harmanpreet Singh, who eventually became key figures in the national team. However, financial challenges, including disputes over player payments and sponsorship issues, led to the suspension of the league after the 2017 season.
Fast forward to 2024, the league is not just making a return, but it is doing so with significant upgrades. Alongside the men's competition, there will be a women’s league for the first time, marking a pivotal moment in Indian hockey's development. The return of HIL is seen as crucial, particularly in the lead-up to major international tournaments, including the Olympic Games and the Hockey World Cup.
The 2024-25 Auction: A Star-Studded Affair
The player auction for the 2024-25 season, held from October 13-15, 2024, was a massive event, featuring over 1,000 players—a record-breaking number that underlines the league's growing prestige. A total of 400 domestic male players and 150 international male players registered for the men’s league auction, while the women’s auction saw 250 domestic women’s players and over 70 international women’s players vying for spots in the inaugural season.
Players were divided into three base price categories: ₹2 lakh, ₹5 lakh, and ₹10 lakh, allowing franchises to manage their budgets while ensuring a competitive auction. Teams had a spending cap of ₹4 crore each, requiring strategic decisions on player selections.
Among the players going under the hammer were many top stars of the Indian men’s team, including Harmanpreet Singh, Manpreet Singh, and Hardik Singh. These players were part of the Indian squad that won bronze at the Paris Olympics, making them highly sought after during the auction. International stars, including Arthur van Doren, Gonzalo Peillat, and Thierry Brinkman, added to the excitement, ensuring that the tournament will see some of the world’s best players competing.
Harmanpreet Singh emerged as the most expensive player at the Hockey India League (HIL) auction, securing a bid of ₹78 lakh. Abhishek followed closely, being acquired by the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for ₹72 lakh, while India’s vice-captain Hardik Singh was picked up by UP Rudras for ₹70 lakh. Among the international players, Gonzalo Peillat from Argentina topped the list with a ₹68 lakh bid from Hyderabad Toofans. The Tamil Nadu Dragons strengthened their attack by adding Netherlands’ Jip Janssen for ₹54 lakh and Australia’s Blake Govers for ₹27 lakh.
In the women’s league, top Indian players such as Savita Punia, Salima Tete, and Deepika were some of the key names up for auction. International stars like Delfina Merino from Argentina and Nike Lorenz from Germany added a global flair to the women's auction, promising a high level of competition.
Tournament Schedule and Format
The Hockey India League 2024-25 is set to officially kick off on December 28, 2024, with matches taking place across two iconic venues: the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela and the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi. The women’s final is scheduled for January 26, 2025, in Ranchi, while the men’s final will be held on February 1, 2025, in Rourkela.
Total 8 teams are participating in the tournament (Soorma Hockey Club, Team Gonasika, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, Tamil Nadu Dragons, Hyderabad Toofans, UP Rudras, Delhi SG Pipers, Kalinga Lancers). Each team will consist of 24 players, with 16 Indian players, including four junior players, and eight overseas players. This format is designed to promote domestic talent while also bringing in international experience to raise the standard of play. The league will adopt a round-robin format, followed by knockout stages leading to the finals. In a bid to make the games more exciting, the organizers have introduced shootouts for tied matches, ensuring that every match produces a winner.
The Impact and Expectations
The return of HIL comes at a crucial time for Indian hockey, which has seen a resurgence in recent years. With the Indian men's team winning an Olympic bronze and the women’s team performing well on the global stage, the league is expected to provide a platform for both established and emerging players to further hone their skills. The addition of a women’s league is particularly significant as it aligns with the growing focus on promoting women's sports in India.
HIL’s return is also expected to attract greater attention from sponsors and broadcasters, which could help alleviate the financial issues that plagued the league in the past. With a balanced mix of international and domestic stars, the league promises to deliver high-quality hockey, providing fans with a much-needed dose of top-tier competition.
In conclusion, the Hockey India League 2024-25 is set to be a landmark event in Indian hockey. The auction has already set the stage for an exciting season, with top players from around the world and India getting ready to compete. The revamped format, the introduction of a women’s league, and the expanded schedule make this season one to watch. Fans are eagerly awaiting the action as the league prepares to reignite the passion for hockey across the country.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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