The much-anticipated Hockey India League (HIL) will return after seven long years in a new avatar, where both the men’s and women’s teams will participate in the event beginning December 28.

While the men’s competition will have eight teams, six teams will feature in women’s competition which is being held for the first time.

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The league will be played in two venues — Rourkela for men and Ranchi for women — from December 28 to February 1. The players auction for the league will be held here from October 13 to 15.

A total of 10 franchise owners have come on board. The players will be auctioned in three categories: Rs 2 lakh, Rs 5 lakh, and Rs 10 lakh.

The return of the HIL is not only a significant moment in the history of the sport but also a major step forward in promoting women’s hockey. The introduction of an exclusive women’s league within the HIL framework is being seen as providing a platform for female athletes to demonstrate their prowess, paving the way for a more inclusive and competitive future for Indian hockey.

The franchise owners of the men’s event are Chennai – Charles Group, Lucknow – Yadu Sports, Punjab – JSW Sports, West Bengal – Shrachi Sports, Delhi – SG Sports and Entertainment, owned by tennis legend Mahesh Bhupathi, Odisha – Vedanta Limited, Hyderabad – Resolute Sports and Ranchi – Navoyam Sports Ventures Private Limited.

The women’s team owners are Haryana – JSW Sports, West Bengal – Shrachi Sports, Delhi – SG Sports and Entertainment and Odisha – Navoyam Sports Ventures Private Limited. The remaining two franchise owners of the women’s league will be announced later.

Each franchise will have a 24-player squad, consisting of at least 16 Indian players (with a mandatory inclusion of four junior players) and eight international stars.

The final of the women’s league is scheduled for January 26 next year in Ranchi while the men’s summit clash will be held on February 1 in Rourkela.

Hockey India president and chairman of HIL, Dilip Tirkey said it was his dream to revive the league since taking over the charge of the federation. “Premier Hockey League started the culture of league in the world. Since the day we were elected it was our dream to revive the league and today the dream has been fulfilled,” Tirkey said during the launch of the event here on Friday.

“HIL has been and will be a supply chain for the national teams. HIL is going to create a history for the sport. HIL is very important for world hockey. We are thankful to International Hockey Federation (FIH) for giving us 35 days window,” he said.

HI secretary general Bhola Nath Singh agreed with Tirkey, saying starting the HIL was their aim from day one after taking charge of the federation.

“The first day we joined our first though was to restart HIL. It was long time waiting. Hockey is not just a sport in India, it is in our hearts,” he said.

Singh informed that FIH has allotted HI a 10-year window for the league. He also said that Odisha government has extended its sponsorship deal with Indian hockey till 2036.