The rebooted Hockey India League has announced the schedule for the 2024/25 edition.
The HIL will kick off on Dec 28 in Rourkela when Delhi SG Pipers and Gonasika push back at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, which was constructed for the 2023 men’s World Cup.
The inaugural women’s match will start on Jan 12 with Delhi taking on Odisha Warriors in Ranchi.
A website has also been launched which details match schedule.
The men’s matches run through until Jan 31 when the semi-finals take place in Rourkela and the final played on Feb 1.
Both men’s and women’s teams will also play one of their matches at an alternate venue in either Ranchi or Rourkela.
Hockey India League governing committee chairperson Dilip Tirkey said: “We are thrilled to reintroduce the HIL after a seven-year hiatus. This season promises high-caliber matches and intense competition, showcasing the best of Indian and international hockey talent.
“The launch of our new website brings fans closer to the action, but the true thrill lies in the journey ahead.”
The men’s HIL will kick off in Rourkela, with Phase 1 spanning from Dec 28 to Jan 18 where all eight teams will play against each other once. Phase 2, beginning on Jan 19, will see the teams divided into two pools: Pool A (Delhi SG Pipers, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, Soorma Hockey Club, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers) and Pool B (Gonasika, Hyderabad Toofans, Tamil Nadu Dragons, UP Rudras).
The Women’s HIL will commence on Jan 12 at Ranchi’s Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium, with each team playing against the others twice. After a competitive pool stage, the top two teams will meet in the final on Jan 26.
