New Delhi, After a gap of seven years, the muchawaited Hockey India League 202425 makes a grand comeback with an expanded format, featuring both a men's and the firstever women's league. The historic women's auction taking place on October 15 is a major milestone in the world of hockey, reflecting the evolution of the game and the growing prominence of women's hockey.
The introduction of an exclusive women's league within the HIL framework not only provides an important platform for female athletes to showcase their skills, but also ensures parity with the men's competition, thereby making the game more inclusive and competitive for Indian hockey. The path to the future is paved. This is one of the rare instances in India where both men's and women's versions of a major sports league will be running simultaneously.
The auction will see over 250 domestic women players and over 70 foreign players competing for a place in the inaugural season of the Women's HIL. The highlight of the event will be India's top women's hockey stars, including veteran goalkeeper Savita, team captain Salima Tete, budding dragflicker Deepika, India's most capped women's player Vandana Kataria and forward Lalremsiami. Additionally, former Indian greats like Yogita Bali, Lilima Minz and Namita Toppo have also registered, adding even more excitement to the auction.
Internationally, renowned players such as Delfina Merino (Argentina), Charlotte Steppenhorst (Germany), María Granato (Argentina), Rachel Lynch (Australia) and Nike Lorenz (Germany) are set to participate, making it the firstever women's HIL. The auction will ensure a global spectacle.
Notably, a total of four teams will participate in the first season of the women's edition of HIL 202425, while the second season of the tournament will feature two more teams.
The list of teams is as follows:
Surma Hockey Club, Haryana and Punjab – JSW
Shrachi Rahar Bengal Tigers, West Bengal – Shrachi Sports
Delhi SG Pipers, New Delhi – SG Sports & Entertainment
Odisha Warriors, Rourkela – Navoyam Sports Ventures Pvt. Ltd.
Hyderabad Storm (Season 2)
BC Jindal Group, Mumbai (Season 2)
Each team will have 24 players, comprising 16 Indian players (with the mandatory inclusion of 4 junior players) and 8 foreign players, in line with HIL's vision of promoting local and global talent. The franchise will have a purse of Rs 2 crore to select players, with athletes classified under three base price slabs: Rs 10 lakh, Rs 5 lakh and Rs 2 lakh.
Hockey India President Dr Dilip Tirkey said, “This is not only the revival of the Hockey India League but also a celebration of the growth of women's hockey in India. We are proud to host the women's auction for the first time, which will not only showcase the teams It's about building a legacy but also about creating a legacy. We're excited to see our homegrown talent go headtohead with some of the best international players and create new heroes for the next generation at HIL 202425. “It promises to be a watershed moment for hockey, which will drive the growth of the game both nationally and internationally.”
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Image Credit: KhasKhabar.