Rourkela: Bollywood actor Sara Ali Khan and singer-songwriter-rapper King will set the stage on fire at the opening ceremony of Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 – Hockey Ka Jashan at Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Odisha’s Rourkela, ahead of the opening match on December 28.
Internationally-acclaimed Shiamak Davar Dance Troupe will also perform at the event scheduled to begin from 7 pm. An innovative anamorphic floor projection mapping, offering a visually immersive experience for fans with 3D illusions projected on the stadium floor will be the standout feature of the night, according to an official release.
“Rourkela is a city with a deep love for hockey, and it’s only fitting that we launch the league with such a grand celebration here,” said Chairperson Hockey India League Dilip Tirkey.
The HIL is making a comeback after seven years.
“This year’s opening ceremony is set to be unlike anything we have ever done before. We wanted to make it a true festival of hockey, blending entertainment and innovation in a way that excites fans and brings the sport closer to them. From Sara Ali Khan and King’s performances to the cutting-edge visual effects, we are confident this event will set the stage for an unforgettable season of hockey,” said member of the Hero Hockey India League (HIL) Governing Committee, Bhola Nath Singh.
To make the league more accessible to fans, tickets to both the opening ceremony and all Hero HIL 2024-25 matches will be free for spectators in Rourkela. Free tickets for the opening ceremony and matches are now available on Ticketgenie’s web portal (https://ticketgenie.in/Event/hero-hockey-india-league-2024-25) and app.
Fans will also have the opportunity to engage in interactive experiences such as green-screen photo booths, where they can create personalised hockey-themed memorabilia to take home as souvenirs from the event.
The Hero HIL 2024-25 opening ceremony will be broadcast live on DD Sports, Waves and other channels on Doordarshan Network. Fans can also catch the live stream on Prasar Bharati’s new OTT platform, Waves. For those tuning in via the Sony Network, matches will be available on Sony Ten 1 (English), Sony Ten 3 (Hindi), and Sony Ten 4 (Tamil and Telugu) in both SD and HD. Additionally, the action will be streamed live on Sony LIV, it added.
