HIL Returns After 7 Years; Odisha Men’s & Women’s Teams In Fray; Rourkela’s Birsa Munda Stadium To Host

Bhubaneswar: The Hockey India League (HIL) is set to return after a seven-year gap.

For the first time, both men’s and women’s teams will feature in the prestigious league to be held from December 28 to Feruary 5, 2025.

Fittingly, the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, in Odisha’s Rourkela, will be the venue for the Men’s HIL 2024-25 comprising 8 teams.

The Women’s league will be held at Ranchi with 6 teams.

Player auctions will be held in New Delhi from October 13-15, informed Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey.

Each franchise will build a 24-player squad, with at least 16 Indian players (mandatory inclusion of 4 junior players) and 8 international players.

MEN’S HIL TEAM OWNERS

* Chennai – Charles Group

* Lucknow – Yadu Sports

* Punjab  – JSW Sports

* West Bengal – Shrachi Sports

* Delhi – SG Sports & Entertainment

* Odisha – Vedanta Limited

* Hyderabad – Resolute Sports

* Ranchi – Navoyam Sports Ventures Private Limited

WOMEN’S HIL TEAM OWNERS

* Haryana – JSW Sports

* West Bengal – Shrachi Sports

* Delhi – SG Sports and Entertainment

* Odisha – Navoyam Sports Ventures Private Limited.

Note: Two more women’s teams will be added.