New Delhi: After a seven-year hiatus, the much-anticipated Hockey India League (HIL) is making a grand return with its 2024-25 season, featuring an expanded format that now includes an exclusive women’s league for the first time. The upcoming women’s auction, set for 15th October 2024, is a groundbreaking event that highlights the growth of women’s hockey and its rising significance in India.
The introduction of a dedicated women’s league alongside the men’s competition represents a significant step toward equality in Indian hockey, providing female athletes with a platform to display their skills and further enhancing the competitiveness and inclusivity of the sport. This move is one of the few instances in India where both men’s and women’s versions of a major sports league will be held simultaneously.
Over 250 domestic players and more than 70 international stars are set to participate in the historic auction, with some of India’s top female hockey players such as goalkeeper Savita, captain Salima Tete, drag-flicker Deepika, Vandana Katariya, and forward Lalremsiami up for selection. Additionally, former Indian stalwarts like Yogita Bali, Lilima Minz, and Namita Toppo have also entered the auction, adding further excitement to the event.
READ ALSO: Hockey India League auction sees Indian stars shine: Day 1
The international roster features prominent names like Argentina’s Delfina Merino and Maria Granatto, Germany’s Charlotte Stapenhorst and Nike Lorenz, and Australia’s Rachael Lynch, promising a global spectacle in the inaugural Women’s HIL auction.
For the first season of the Women’s HIL 2024-25, four teams will participate, with two more teams joining in the second season. The teams for the inaugural season are:
Soorma Hockey Club (Haryana & Punjab) – JSW
Shrachi Rahr Bengal Tigers (West Bengal) – Shrachi Sports
Delhi SG Pipers (New Delhi) – SG Sports and Entertainment
Odisha Warriors (Rourkela) – Navoyam Sports Ventures Private Limited
The second season will see the addition of two more teams: Hyderabad Toofans and BC Jindal Group, Mumbai.
Each team will consist of 24 players, including 16 Indian players (with a minimum of four junior players) and eight international players. Franchises will have a budget of INR 2 crores to assemble their squads, with players categorized into base price slabs of INR 10 lakhs, INR 5 lakhs, and INR 2 lakhs.
READ ALSO: HIL returns after 7-Year hiatus with 8 men’s, 6 women’s teams
Hockey India President, Dr. Dilip Tirkey, expressed his pride in the league’s return and the landmark women’s auction: “This is not just the revival of the Hockey India League but a celebration of the growth of women’s hockey in India. The first-ever women’s auction is about more than just building teams; it’s about creating legacies. We are excited to see our domestic talent compete with some of the best international players, creating new heroes for the next generation. The Women’s HIL 2024-25 will be a defining moment for Indian hockey.”
Hockey India Secretary General, Bhola Nath Singh, echoed these sentiments, calling the auction a “transformational moment” for women’s sports in India: “The women’s auction and league will provide a much-needed platform for our female athletes to showcase their talents and compete at the highest level. It demonstrates our commitment to the growth of women’s hockey in India, and with the inclusion of international players, the Women’s HIL will elevate the sport to new heights, inspiring young girls across the country.”