The Hockey India League Returns After Seven-Year Hiatus
The Hockey India League (HIL) is set to make a comeback after a seven-year gap, with eight men’s teams and six women’s teams participating in the league. The much-awaited league is scheduled to begin on December 28, with the opening ceremony taking place on the same date in Rourkela.
The HIL is a professional field hockey league in India, which was first launched in 2013. The league was suspended in 2018 due to financial issues, but it is now making a comeback with a new format and renewed enthusiasm.
Player Auction to be Held in New Delhi
A player auction will be held on October 13, 14, and 15 in New Delhi to build a 24-player squad for each franchise. The auction will be crucial for the teams to build a strong squad and compete for the title.
The eight men’s teams participating in the league are:
- Delhi Waveriders
- Jaypee Punjab Warriors
- Kalinga Lancers
- Mumbai Magicians
- Ranchi Rhinos
- Uttar Pradesh Wizards
- Dabang Mumbai
- Kalinga Jaguars
The six women’s teams participating in the league are:
- Adivasi Hockey Club
- Central Railways
- Haryana Hurricanes
- Khalsa Warriors
- Maharashtra United
- Punjab Panthers
New Format and Rules
The HIL is introducing a new format and rules for the upcoming season. The league will be played in a round-robin format, with each team playing against the other seven teams twice. The top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals, which will be followed by the final.
The league has also introduced new rules to make the game more exciting and fast-paced. The matches will be played in four quarters of 15 minutes each, instead of the traditional two halves of 35 minutes each. The teams will also have the option to take a referral for umpiring decisions.
Conclusion
The return of the Hockey India League after a seven-year hiatus is a welcome development for the sport in India. The league has provided a platform for young and talented players to showcase their skills and has helped in the development of the sport in the country. With the new format and rules, the league promises to be more exciting and competitive than ever before.