Hockey India League Returns with a Bang: Player Auctions for 2024-25 Season Scheduled from 13th October

New Delhi, 10th October 2024: After a seven-year hiatus, the much-anticipated Hockey India League (HIL) is set to make its grand comeback, with player auctions for the 2024-25 season scheduled from 13th to 15th October at Hyatt Regency in New Delhi. This edition promises to be historic, not only with the return of the men’s league but also marking the debut of the Women’s Hockey India League.

The men’s auction will be held on 13th and 14th October, followed by the first-ever women’s auction on 15th October, signifying a major step forward in promoting women’s hockey in India. Over 1,000 players have registered for the auction, including domestic and international stars. Categories for bidding range from INR 2,00,000 to INR 10,00,000, setting the stage for intense competition among franchises.

Key Players to Watch

The men’s auction will see India’s hockey stalwarts, including Olympic bronze medalist Captain Harmanpreet Singh, Vice Captain Hardik Singh, and seasoned players like Manpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh, in the spotlight. Adding to the excitement, former Indian legends such as Rupinder Pal Singh and Birendra Lakra will also go under the hammer. International stars, including Arthur van Doren and Gonzalo Peillat, will bring global flair to the league.

The women’s auction will feature top Indian players like Captain Salima Tete, drag-flicker Deepika, and record-holder Vandana Katariya. Former Indian players such as Yogita Bali and Lilima Minz have also registered. International players like Delfina Merino and Nike Lorenz will add excitement to the inaugural women’s league.

League Format and Venues

Each team will consist of 24 players, including 16 Indian players (with 4 juniors) and 8 overseas players. The HIL 2024-25 season will officially kick off on 28th December 2024 with a grand opening ceremony in Rourkela, Odisha. Matches will take place in Ranchi and Rourkela, with the women’s final on 26th January 2025 in Ranchi and the men’s final on 1st February 2025 in Rourkela.

In a new format change, any match ending in a tie will go to a shootout, ensuring every game concludes with a winner, making the tournament even more thrilling for fans.

The return of HIL, with its expanded format, is expected to reignite passion for hockey across India, while giving a major boost to both men’s and women’s teams.