After a seven-year hiatus, the Hockey India League (HIL) is making a much-anticipated comeback, exciting Indian hockey enthusiasts. The franchise-based league will kick off on December 25, with player auctions scheduled from October 13-15 in New Delhi.
The 2024 edition will introduce six women’s teams and eight men’s teams, sparking excitement over new team owners and rosters.
The men’s teams are as follows: Delhi SG Pipers (SG Sports), Hyderabad Toofans (Resolute Sports), Kalinga Lancers, the defending champions from Odisha, Punjab (JSW Sports), Lucknow (JK Cement), Ranchi (Navoyam Sports), Kolkata (Sharchi Sports), and Chennai (Future Gaming Pvt. Ltd.).
Kalinga Lancers, the reigning champions, are supported by the Odisha government. They last won the title in 2017, the final edition before this revival.
Hockey India League Returns After 7 Years
The Hockey India League (HIL) is making a comeback after a 7-year break, featuring a new format and the historic addition of 6 women’s teams. Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey announced that the revamped league aims to boost the competition.
At a special event on October 4, it was revealed that the league will run from December 28 to February 5, during an exclusive window provided by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
In the 2024 edition, 8 men’s teams will compete at the Jharkhand and Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, while 6 women’s teams will play at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi. Franchise owners from Punjab, Haryana, and New Delhi will participate in player auctions from October 13-15 in New Delhi to finalize their squads for the season.
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FIH Allocates Exclusive Window for Hockey League
Tirkey announced that the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has dedicated a 35-day exclusive window for the league, highlighting its importance in the global hockey schedule. This marks a major step forward, as the league has been inactive since 2017 due to financial challenges. The last edition, which only included men’s teams, was played in a home-and-away format.
"A clear 35-40 day window will enable maximum participation from foreign players in HIL, thus making it one of the most competitive leagues in the world and also signifies the importance of HIL" exclaims Dr. @DilipTirkey , President Hockey India.
— Hockey India League (@HockeyIndiaLeag) October 4, 2024Hockey India League Teams
The table below lists the men’s and women’s teams participating in the upcoming hockey league. While the men’s teams are fully confirmed, two additional women’s teams will be announced soon.
| Hockey India League Teams to Participate | |
|---|---|
| Men’s Teams | Women’s Teams |
| Chennai | Haryana |
| Lucknow | Kolkata |
| Punjab | Delhi |
| Kolkata | Odisha |
| Delhi | (To be announced) |
| Odisha | (To be announced) |
| Hyderabad | |
| Ranchi | |
Hockey India League Franchises and Owners
Check the table below for the men’s and women’s hockey franchises along with their respective owners:
| Hockey India League Franchises and Owners | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s Franchises | Owners | Women’s Franchises | Owners |
| Chennai | Charles Group | Haryana | JSW Sports |
| Lucknow | Yadu Sports | West Bengal | Shrachi Sports |
| Punjab | JSW Sports | Delhi | SG Sports and Entertainment |
| West Bengal | Shrachi Sports | Odisha | Navoyam Sports Ventures Private Limited |
| Delhi | SG Sports and Entertainment | ||
| Odisha | Vedanta Limited | ||
| Hyderabad | Resolute Sports | ||
| Ranchi | Navoyam Sports Ventures Private Limited | ||
Hockey India League 2024 Updated Rules
For the upcoming HIL 2024 season, each franchise must assemble a squad of 24 players at the auction. This squad should include 16 Indian players, with at least four being junior players, alongside eight international players.
To facilitate player selection, athletes will be categorized into three price ranges: ₹2 lakhs, ₹5 lakhs, and ₹10 lakhs for both men and women. This pricing structure is designed to promote local talent while incorporating international experience into the league.
In terms of gameplay, a men’s team can have a maximum of four foreign players in their starting eleven, while a women’s team can include up to five foreign players.
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Hockey India League FAQs
Q.1. When does the Hockey India League 2024 start?
Ans. The HIL 2024 kicks off on December 25, 2024.
Q.2. How many teams will participate in HIL 2024?
Ans. The league will feature eight men’s teams and six women’s teams.
Q.3. Where will the matches be held?
Ans. Men’s matches will take place at Jharkhand and Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, while women’s matches will be held at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi.
Q.4. What are the player auction dates for HIL 2024?
Ans. Player auctions are scheduled from October 13 to 15, 2024, in New Delhi.
Q.5. What are the new rules for team composition in HIL 2024?
Ans. Each franchise must have a squad of 24 players, including 16 Indian players (at least four juniors) and eight international players.
