After a long hiatus, the Hockey India League (HIL) is making a sensational comeback, much to the delight of hockey enthusiasts worldwide. The 2024 edition promises to be bigger and better than ever, with an impressive lineup of teams, players, and an revamped tournament format. As the excitement builds, let’s dive into everything you need to know about the latest avatar of the HIL.
Eight Men’s Teams, Four Women’s Teams
The men’s league will feature eight formidable teams battling it out for the coveted title:
- Delhi SG Pipers
- Hyderabad Toofans
- Vedanta Kalinga Landers
- Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers
- Soorma Hockey Club (Punjab)
- Tamil Nadu Dragons
- Team Gonasika Vizag
- UP Yudras
The women’s league, while smaller in scale, promises equally thrilling action with four teams:
- Delhi SG Pipers
- Odisha Warriors
- Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers
- Soorma Hockey Club (Haryana)
Dates and Locations
The men’s league is set to commence on December 28, with the grand finale scheduled for February 1. The women’s league will kick off on January 12 and conclude with the final on January 26.
In a strategic move to optimize costs and logistics, the majority of the matches will be hosted in just two locations. Ranchi will play host to the women’s matches (except for two) and the final, while Rourkela will be the venue for the men’s matches (except for four) and the final.
While we would have loved to have home and away matches, we had to make a practical decision to keep costs low and avoid logistical challenges. However, all the franchises are keen to switch to the home and away format soon, hopefully by next year.
– Hockey India Official
Exciting Tournament Format
The men’s league will follow a two-phase format:
- Phase One: Each team will face off against every other team once.
- Phase Two: Teams will be divided into two pools (A and B) based on their phase one rankings. Each team will then play against the teams in their pool.
The top four teams with the highest points will progress to the semifinals.
The women’s league will follow a simpler format, with each team playing against the others twice. The top two teams will then face each other in the final.
Star-studded Lineup
The HIL 2024 boasts an impressive roster of both Indian and international hockey stars. While established players like Harmanpreet Singh, Manpreet Singh, and Rupinder Pal Singh are set to dazzle, keep an eye out for rising stars like Ankit Pal, Rohit, and Manmeet Singh.
The foreign contingent is equally impressive, with the likes of Germany’s Gonzalo Peillat, England’s Zach Wallace, Belgium’s Alexander Hendrickx, and Australia’s Blake Govers ready to showcase their skills on the Indian turf.
Broadcast and Streaming
Hockey fans can catch all the action live on DD Sports and Sony Sports Network. For those who prefer streaming, the matches will also be available on the Waves OTT app.
As the Hockey India League gears up for its grand revival, the anticipation among players, teams, and fans is palpable. With world-class talent, exciting new teams, and a thrilling format, the HIL 2024 promises to be a spectacle like no other. Get ready to witness hockey at its finest as the battle for supremacy unfolds on the Indian turf. Let the games begin!
