Hockey India League returns with a bang; A new era for Indian hockey

Indian hockey is set to witness a historic resurgence as the Hockey India League (HIL) makes a triumphant comeback after a seven-year hiatus. The league has unveiled its men’s and women’s franchises for the upcoming 2024-25 season, promising an exhilarating spectacle for fans nationwide.

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This marks a significant milestone for Indian hockey, as the HIL will feature both men’s and women’s competitions for the first time. With 14 teams – eight men’s and six women’s – the league is poised to provide a platform for top-tier talent from India and worldwide.

List of Men’s Franchises and their Owners

List of Women’s Franchises and their Owners

Please note: Two of the women’s franchises will be announced shortly after the closure of legal proceedings in the coming days.

The HIL’s format is designed to foster the development of Indian talent while also attracting international stars. Each franchise will build a 24-player squad, including a mandatory minimum of 16 Indian players and four junior players. This balance ensures that the league serves as a breeding ground for future hockey stars.

The owners expressed their enthusiasm and commitment to the league.

Mr. Jose Charles Martin, Chairman and MD of Charles Group, said, “It’s an absolute honour to be part of this historic moment, where we unite our passion for hockey with the spirit of Tamil Nadu. Our team is not just about winning matches but about inspiring the next generation of athletes, building a legacy of excellence, and making our state proud on the national stage. Together, we will elevate hockey to new heights and make Tamil Nadu a true powerhouse in the sport.”

Dr  Raghavpat Singhania and Mr Madhavkrishna Singhania, Owners of Yadu Sports and esteemed promoters of JK Cement Ltd, said, “We are immensely proud to have acquired the Lucknow franchise in the Hockey India League. We firmly believe in the power of sports to drive nation-building and inspire the youth. Hockey, with its deep-rooted legacy in India, holds a special place in our hearts. Uttar Pradesh is the home of legends like Dhyan Chand and K.D. Singh has always been an integral part of our family’s history, and we are excited to give back by bringing a hockey team to the passionate fans of Lucknow.”

Parth Jindal, Founder of JSW Sports, said, “Indian hockey has always had a special place in my heart, and when the chance to own a team in the Hockey India League arose, we were always going to be a part of it. The sport is undergoing a revival in the country, and we believe we have what it takes to further that charge. The states of Punjab and Haryana have been a factory when it comes to producing champion athletes, and specifically talented hockey players, and through our teams, we want to reiterate the contribution of these states to the hockey ecosystem in our country. The role of our teams will extend beyond the league, and we cannot wait for this journey to begin.”

Rahul Todi, Managing Director of Shrachi Sports, said, “We are excited to partner with the Hockey India League for 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. Tournaments like the HIL play a crucial role in providing top-notch infrastructure and exposure for India’s hockey talent.”

Mahesh Bhupathi, CEO of SG Sports and Entertainment, added, “We Are excited to be part of the new wave of Hockey fever in the country and are confident that the Hockey India League (HIL) will grow rapidly in the first few seasons.”

Nitin Tiwari, COO Mines, Vedanta Limited, said, “We have had a deep connection with Odisha for more than two decades and Odisha is a pioneer in promoting the sport nationwide. We are extremely humbled to have been given this opportunity to collaborate with the Kalinga Lancers team and we are extremely proud to represent and salute all the living legends and veterans of Indian sports here. As the next step forward, we are going to create history going forward again just like Kalinga Lancers created last time. To ensure this we are going to work very meticulously based on government support and living legends’ support and guidance.”

Alok Sanghi, MD, Resolute Sports & Co-founder, Share Square, said, “We are thrilled to be part of the HIL. Hockey is the national sport of our country. With India winning back-to-back Olympic medals in Tokyo and Paris for the first time since 1972, we believe that Hockey in India is making a comeback to its glorious past. We believe that Indian hockey is now poised to take the next step in creating long-term growth in this sport. HIL will provide another opportunity for the youth to enhance their skills. As we step into the future together as stakeholders, I wish everyone all the very best!”

Sanjeev Srivastava, Managing Director, Navoyam Sports Ventures Private Limited, said, “Hockey is the emotional sport of India and this is a period of revolution. With 14 teams joining the league, there is no stopping it now. The time has changed now and if the youth connects with the Hockey India League there will be nothing better than that. And with our women’s hockey team from Odisha, we aim to make the logo and name the team such that it connects with Odisha.”

The HIL 2024-25 is set to be a thrilling spectacle, with matches taking place across two venues: Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi and Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela. The season will commence on December 28 and culminate with the women’s final on January 26, 2025, and the men’s final on February 1, 2025.

As the HIL prepares to make its long-awaited comeback, hockey fans can anticipate a season filled with intense competition, exciting matches, and unforgettable moments. The league’s return is a testament to the enduring popularity of hockey in India and its potential to inspire a new generation of fans and players.