Report: Hockey India League likely to begin in late 2024 or early 2025

Six franchises took part when the tournament was last held in 2017.

Hockey India League (HIL) is likely to make a comeback after a seven-year hiatus in a new pattern next year or in early 2025 with Hockey India setting its sight on reviving the franchise-based league. The tournament could return to action after the Paris Olympics 2024 or in early 2025.

According to report from PTI, Hockey India under its president Dilip Tirkey has planned to rejuvenate that Hockey India League post the Olympic Games next year or in early 2025. The report also states that HI body has requested the Hockey International Federation (FIH) for a separate window to conduct the tournament.

The tournament was suspended in 2017 due to financial constraints and non-cooperation from the franchise owners. There are also plans to conduct an event for women’s and if held it will be a first of a kind competition for women.

Women’s hockey in India has been on an upward curve for past couple of years. The women’s team finished fourth at the Tokyo Olympics. They went on to finish third in their maiden Pro League campaign and in the following year won the Nations League title by defeating Spain — by virtue of which, they have been promoted to the Pro League 2023-24.

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“We haven’t got any window as yet, but we have asked FIH for a window. We have asked for a window after the Olympics, sometime in December next year or January in 2015. We are planning to conduct the HIL for both men and women this time. Earlier it used to be just for men, but we want our women players to get the exposure too.” Tirkey told PTI in an exclusive interaction.

Earlier this year HI announced Bing Bang Media Ventures as its commercial and marketing partner agency. Several Indian players who are currently part of the Indian setup plied their trade in HIL in its formative years. Many foreign stars Jamie Dwyer from Australia and Child from New Zealand made their mark in the league.