Hockey fans rejoice! The highly anticipated Hockey India League (HIL) is confirmed to return in January 2025. Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh revealed the exciting news during the annual awards ceremony.
Hockey India League: League Structure and Timeline
The upcoming HIL will feature a larger scale compared to previous editions. The men’s league will see eight teams battle it out for the championship, while the women’s league will showcase competition between six teams.
To ensure a fair playing field, all teams will have separate ownership. Player auctions for both leagues will be held after the Paris Olympics, allowing teams to strategically build their rosters. The league will take place within a five-week window provided by the FIH in January, with men’s and women’s matches scheduled simultaneously.
While the HIL announcement dominated headlines, the ongoing Hockey India Awards ceremony also recognized outstanding individual performances. Veteran goalkeepers PR Sreejesh and Savita Punia are strong contenders for the prestigious Player of the Year awards in their respective categories. Additionally, India’s captain and star defender, Harmanpreet Singh, finds himself nominated for both Player of the Year and Defender of the Year awards.
The return of the HIL promises to inject renewed excitement into Indian hockey, offering a platform for players to showcase their talent and further elevate the sport’s profile in the country.
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