The Hockey India League (HIL) is making a highly anticipated comeback in the 2024-25 season after a seven-year hiatus. This season, the HIL promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a significant and historic change.
First launched in 2013, the league was put on hold in 2017, leaving a noticeable gap in Indian hockey's domestic and international engagement.
Now, for the first time, the league will feature both men's and women's teams, competing simultaneously and receiving equal prominence. The move is expected to elevate the visibility of women's hockey and encourage more participation and viewership across genders.
The sixth edition of the HIL will feature eight men’s and six women’s teams, with matches scheduled to be held in two key venues - Rourkela (men's) and Ranchi (women's). The teams are backed by well-established business houses, ensuring that the league will be well-funded and professionally managed.
Secretary-general of Hockey India, Bhola Nath Singh, confirmed that the tournament will be held between December 28 and February 5, a window blocked for the next five years with the sanction of the International Hockey Federation (FIH). The structured window allows the league to gain consistent international recognition, making it a fixture in the global hockey calendar.
This exclusive 35-day window promises to be action-packed, with players from 15 countries set to take part. The auction for the HIL teams will be held later this month on October 13, 14, and 15, which will finalize the rosters.
On that note, let’s take a look at the team owners and cities of the Hockey India League 2024-25.
Hockey India League 2024-25: Team Owners and Cities
- Chennai (Men’s Team) – Charles Group
- Lucknow (Men’s Team) – J.K. Cements
- Punjab and Haryana (Men’s and Women’s Teams) – JSW Sports
- Kolkata (Men’s and Women’s Teams) – Srachi Sports
- Delhi (Men’s and Women’s Teams) – SG Sports
- Odisha (Men’s Team) – Vedanta LTD
- Hyderabad (Men’s Team) – Resolute Sports
- Ranchi (Men’s Team) and Odisha (Women’s Team) – Novayom