Hockey India League’s Awaited Comeback: A New Era for Indian Hockey

Indian hockey is set to embark on a thrilling new chapter as the Hockey India League (HIL) plans its much-anticipated return. The franchise-based league has been on a hiatus since 2017, but is now poised for revival in either late 2024 or early 2025, after the Paris Olympics. This relaunch, under the leadership of Olympian Dilip Tirkey, promises to breathe new life into the sport across the nation.

The HIL, suspended back in 2017 due to financial issues and disagreements with team owners, is expected to return stronger than ever. The reformed league aims to deliver enhanced opportunities for budding players and reestablish India’s presence in global hockey. The inclusion of a women’s event for the first time is another progressive step, reinforcing the league’s commitment to diversifying and enriching the sport in the country.

The hiatus offered a chance for Hockey India (HI) to reassess and restructure, planning a more sustainable and engaging format. Central to these changes is providing greater exposure and playing opportunities to emerging talent, a goal which Tirkey and his team are keen to achieve through the revamped HIL.

In order to fit the revived HIL into the global hockey calendar, HI has reached out to the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for a tournament window. The desired slot is after the Paris Olympics, possibly in December 2024 or January 2025. The response from the FIH is eagerly awaited, with the proposed timeline providing ample preparation time for the teams and a fitting follow-up to the international games.

The revival of the Hockey India League signifies a fresh start for Indian hockey, presenting exciting prospects for players and fans alike. Its return would serve as a catalyst for the sport in India, fostering a new generation of players and marking an important milestone in India’s hockey history.