THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, Oct 4: After a seven-year hiatus, the Hockey India League (HIL) is set to return this year, according to an official announcement made on Friday.
The HIL 2024-25 is scheduled to take place from late December 2024 to early February 2025, within a window approved by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
For the first time in HIL’s history, the tournament will feature both men’s and women’s teams, giving equal prominence to both categories. The competition will include 8 men’s teams and 6 women’s teams.
In a notable first, the Men’s and Women’s HIL will be held simultaneously. The league’s auction is set to take place on October 13, 14, and 15 in New Delhi.
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The HIL 2024-25 is set to kick off on December 28, with the opening ceremony also slated for that day in Rourkela.
Matches will be played at two venues: the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand, and the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, Odisha.
The women’s league final is scheduled for January 26, 2025, in Ranchi, while the men’s final will take place on February 1, 2025, in Rourkela.
Every match will have a decisive outcome, with shootouts being introduced to resolve tied games.
