Hockey India League: Kolkata-based team named Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for both men's and women's franchise

Published at :October 9, 2024 at 6:06 PM

Modified at :October 9, 2024 at 6:45 PM

The sixth edition of Hockey India League will begin from December.

Shrachi Sports has announced its entry into the Hockey India League (IHL) with the acquisition of its franchise, the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers. This marks the first time West Bengal will have its own team in this prestigious hockey league.

Organised by Hockey India, the sixth season of the IHL is set to commence in December and will run till February. Notably, this season will feature a significant development: each franchise will own both a men’s and a women’s team, promoting equal participation. The Hockey India League, which initially ran from 2013 to 2017, brought together elite hockey talent from around the world.

After a seven-year hiatus, the sixth season returns, buoyed by the recent successes of the Indian men’s hockey team in the Tokyo and Paris Olympics.

Rahul Todi, Managing Director of Shrachi Sports, expressed enthusiasm at the announcement, stating, “We are excited to partner with the Indian Hockey League this season and look forward to a long-term relationship with our franchise, the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers. We are optimistic about the performance of both our men’s and women’s teams in this tournament.

Events like the IHL play a crucial role in providing top-notch infrastructure and exposure for India’s hockey talent.” The event also featured tennis icon Leander Paes, who praised the initiative as a positive step for Indian hockey.

Also Read: ‘Hockey India League will do wonders in developing younger players’- Salima Tete

The tournament will include eight teams representing various regions: Chennai, Lucknow, Delhi, Kolkata, Odisha, Hyderabad, Ranchi, and Punjab, supported by corporate entities like Charles Group, Yadu Sports, SG Sports-Entertainment, Vedanta, Resolute Sports, Navoyam Sports, and JSW Sports, alongside the Shrachi Group.

Player selection will take place in October through an auction process, with base prices set at Rs 2 lakh, Rs 5 lakh, and Rs 10 lakh.

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