Hockey India League Returns After Seven Years
Introduction of Standalone Women’s League
The Hockey India League (HIL) is making a comeback this December after a seven-year break. The 2024-25 season will feature 8 men’s teams and 6 women’s teams, marking the first standalone women’s league in India. Matches will be held at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand, and Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, Odisha.
Key Dates and Venues
The league kicks off on December 28, with the Women’s League concluding on January 26, 2025, in Ranchi, and the Men’s Final on February 1, 2025, in Rourkela.
Salima Tete’s Excitement
Salima Tete, the Captain of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team from Jharkhand, is thrilled about the league’s return. She expressed her excitement about playing on her home turf and the opportunity to interact with international players. Salima believes the league will help young players develop by exposing them to a professional environment.
Player Auction Details
The player auction will take place from October 13 to 15 in New Delhi. Each team will have a 24-player squad, including at least 16 Indian players and 8 international stars. Players will be categorized into three price slabs: 2, 5, and 10 lakhs.
Salima’s Hopes for the League
Salima hopes to play for a team based in Ranchi and is eager to experience playing with new teammates and coaches. She looks forward to the league’s start and the opportunities it will bring.
Doubts Revealed
Salima Tete -: Salima Tete is the captain of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team. She is a talented player and is excited about the upcoming Hockey India League.
Hockey India League -: The Hockey India League is a professional field hockey league in India. It is returning after a seven-year break and will feature both men’s and women’s teams.
Standalone Women’s League -: A standalone women’s league means that the league is specifically for women’s teams, separate from the men’s league. This is the first time India is having such a league for women’s hockey.
Ranchi and Rourkela -: Ranchi and Rourkela are cities in India where the Hockey India League matches will be held. Ranchi is in the state of Jharkhand, and Rourkela is in Odisha.
Player Auction -: A player auction is an event where teams bid to buy players for their team. In this league, teams will have 24 players, including international stars, and the auction will happen in October.