The Hockey India League finally kicked off with a mixed bag of on and off-field events. The opening ceremony was cancelled due to the demise of Dr. Manmohan Singh, but that didn't stop Delhi SG Pipers from securing a 2-2 draw against Team Gonasika and ultimately taking the bonus point in a shootouts. It was definitely a grand start for the tournament despite the initial setback.
As the Hockey India League kicked off in Rourkela, fans were treated to an exciting game between newcomers Delhi SG Pipers and Gonasika. While the match ended in a 2-2 draw in regulation time, Delhi emerged victorious in the penalty shootout, with Tomas Domene and Aditya Lalage proving to be the heroes for their team. Despite a strong performance from both sides, Gonasika's missed opportunities in the shootout cost them the victory.
The long-awaited comeback of the Hockey India League is finally happening in 2024, with both men's and women's teams competing simultaneously. The league will include eight men's teams and six women's teams, giving a platform for India's best players and international talent to showcase their skills. The three-day player auction will also have a new feature, with no upper limits on bidding to create a level playing field for all teams. This move aims to revitalize Indian hockey and nurture local talent, while also bringing in international expertise to the league.
The highly anticipated Hockey FIH Pro League is back for its sixth season, promising more thrilling matches and changes to the format. After an exciting Paris Olympics 2024 hockey tournament, the winners of both the men's and women's divisions will earn direct qualification for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. In addition, all participating teams will host matches in their home countries, bringing fans closer to the action. A new scheduling system will also make it easier for fans to follow the league, with matches split between December/February and June. With the inclusion of new teams like Spain and Ireland for the women's and men's divisions respectively, the upcoming season is shaping up to be the best one yet.
The National Women's Hockey League 2024 - 2025, featuring the top eight teams from the 14th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship, is all set to make its debut in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The league will unfold in two phases, with 28 matches in the first leg. Intended to elevate the stature of women's hockey in India, the league will feature a captivating round-robin format with bonus points at stake in case of draws. Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey expressed his delight in witnessing this monumental step for women's hockey, while Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh emphasized the potential and prowess of Indian women athletes.
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