Bhubaneswar: To boost accessibility and fan engagement, Hockey India on Tuesday announced free tickets for the upcoming Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 matches in Ranchi and Odisha’s Rourkela.
“This is a historic moment for hockey in India. By offering free tickets, we are ensuring that everyone, regardless of financial status, has the opportunity to experience live hockey at its best. Our goal is to bring the sport closer to the fans and inspire a new generation of players and supporters. Ranchi and Rourkela are cities with a rich hockey heritage, and we want to fill the stadiums with their energy and passion,” explained HIL Governing Committee chairperson Dilip Tirkey.
This year’s Hero Hockey India League will showcase an impressive roster of eight men’s teams and four women’s teams with a newly revamped formats. The men’s HIL will kick off on December 28 in Rourkela at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, with the grand finale on February 1 2025. The women’s league begins on January 12, 2025, in Ranchi’s Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium, with the final on January 26. Also, to expand the league’s reach, select men’s and women’s matches will be held at alternate venues.
“Our fans are at the heart of everything we do. This initiative to offer free tickets is our way of showing appreciation for their unwavering support. We want to ensure that every seat in Ranchi and Rourkela is filled with fans cheering on their favourite teams,” HIL governing committee member Bhola Nath Singh said, echoing Tirkey’s sentiments.
