The much-awaited Hockey India League (HIL) is set to make its grand comeback this December after a seven-year hiatus, with a new format featuring both men’s and women’s teams. The tournament will see eight teams competing in the men’s competition and six teams participating in the women’s category. The league is scheduled to take place from December 28, 2024, to February 5, 2025, across two venues—Rourkela and Ranchi.

The men’s competition will be hosted at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, while the women’s competition will be held at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi. This revival is expected to bring a fresh wave of excitement to Indian hockey, providing a platform for players to showcase their talents on a national and international level.

A key highlight of the upcoming edition is the player auction, which is set to take place from October 13 to October 15, 2024, in New Delhi. A total of 10 franchise owners have confirmed their participation in the league, with teams representing regions like Punjab, Haryana, and New Delhi. The auction will feature players being categorized into three price brackets—₹2 lakh, ₹5 lakh, and ₹10 lakh. The franchise owners will bid on players to form their teams for the upcoming season, making the auction a crucial event that will shape the competition’s landscape.

The 2024 edition of the HIL will see the eight men’s teams battling it out in Rourkela, while the six women’s teams will compete in Ranchi. This structure ensures that both men’s and women’s hockey get a dedicated platform to perform, offering a balanced focus on promoting both categories.

With the player auction just around the corner, all eyes will be on which franchises secure the top talents and how teams will build their squads. The inclusion of both experienced and emerging players from across India, as well as international stars, is expected to make the tournament highly competitive.

The Hockey India League was one of the most popular hockey events before its pause, drawing significant attention from global hockey players and fans alike. Its return is seen as a major step toward the further development of hockey in India, particularly with the inclusion of women’s teams, which adds a new dimension to the league. The 2024 edition is poised to be an exhilarating display of skill, strategy, and teamwork, as players from across the country and abroad vie for the prestigious title.

As preparations ramp up for this high-profile event, there is great anticipation surrounding how the revamped format will unfold and how it will contribute to the growth of hockey in India. The Hockey India League’s return is not just a sporting event but a celebration of hockey’s rich legacy in India and a hopeful future for both men’s and women’s hockey.