HIL to return after 7 long years; women's event added for first time
The Hindu
Hockey India League returns after 7 years with men's and women's teams, featuring 8 and 6 teams respectively.
The much-awaited Hockey India League (HIL) will return after seven long years in a new avatar, where both the men's and women's teams will participate in the event beginning December 28.
While the men's competition will have eight teams, six sides will feature in women's event which is being held for the first time.
The league will be played in two venues — Rourkela for men and Ranchi for women — from December 28 to February 1. The sport's world governing body, FIH has given sanction of 10 years for HIL.
The players auction for the league will be held here from October 13 to 15.
A total of 10 franchise owners have come on board.
Players will be auctioned in three categories: Rs 2 lakh, Rs 5 lakh, and Rs 10 lakh.
The return of the HIL is not only a significant moment in the history of the sport but also a major step forward in promoting women’s hockey.