The Hockey India League promises to be a big event in the hockey landscape of India. The tournament is returning after a seven-year break and is expected to start in the last week of December this year, running until February. Started in 2013 with a double round-robin format, this time, with its comeback, the tournament will feature women’s games alongside the men’s games, which is happening for the first time in the history of the league. With eight men’s teams and six women’s teams, the competition is set to heat up.
Hockey India League teams
| Owner | Team |
| Charles Group | Chennai men’s team |
| Yadu Sports | UP Rudras |
| JSW Sports | Punjab men |
| Shrachi Sports | West Bengal men & women |
| SG Sports | Delhi men & women |
| Vedanta | Odisha men |
| Resolute Sports | Hyderabad men |
| Novayom | Ranchi men & Odisha women |
HIL Auction 2024
Now , before the big clashes, the auction is gaining attention, with many prominent players expected to go under the hammer. The auction for male players will be held on October 13 and 14, while the date for women’s players is set for October 15. It is noteworthy that this time the HIL auction will witness over 1,000 athletes seeking bidders, including both domestic and overseas players. Specifically, there will be over 400 domestic men’s players, more than 150 overseas men’s players, over 250 domestic women’s players, and more than 70 overseas women’s players. Each team needs to pack their squad with 24 players, which must include 16 domestic players (including a mandatory set of four junior players) and eight overseas athletes.
Hockey India League Venues
According to current reports, the men’s games will take place at Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela. While the women’s teams will showcase their hockey skills at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi. However, there is a possibility that the women’s team may also travel to Rourkela, while the men’s team could head to Ranchi. This would allow both venues to witness the other gender in action.
Hockey India League Schedule
Although the schedule has not been finalized yet, some marquee details have been released, as the tournament will start from 28 December and run until the first week of February. The women’s and men’s finals are slated for 26 January 2025 and 1 February 2025, respectively, promising a thrilling end to the tournament.
