New Delhi: Hockey India has announced that tickets for all matches of the upcoming Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 in Ranchi and Rourkela will be free of cost. This move aims to bring the sport closer to its fans while encouraging greater participation and support for the game.
The decision aligns with Hockey India’s vision of promoting hockey across every corner of the country and making it accessible to all, irrespective of financial barriers. By foregoing ticket revenue, the governing body hopes to strengthen the bond between fans and the sport, while also inspiring a new generation of hockey enthusiasts.
Hockey India League Governing Committee Chairperson Dilip Tirkey expressed his excitement about the initiative, calling it a “historic moment for hockey in India.” He said, “By offering free tickets, we are ensuring that everyone, regardless of financial status, has the opportunity to experience live hockey at its best. Our goal is to bring the sport closer to the fans and inspire a new generation of players and supporters. Ranchi and Rourkela are cities with a rich hockey heritage, and we want to fill the stadiums with their energy and passion.”
Echoing Tirkey’s sentiments, HIL Governing Committee member Bhola Nath Singh emphasized the importance of fans in the league’s success. “Our fans are at the heart of everything we do. This initiative to offer free tickets is our way of showing appreciation for their unwavering support. We want to ensure that every seat in Ranchi and Rourkela is filled with fans cheering on their favorite teams,” he said.
Singh also highlighted that the Hero Hockey India League represents more than just a tournament. “The Hockey India League is a celebration of the sport—Hockey Ka Jashn. By making it free for all, we are reinforcing our commitment to making hockey the people’s game. We hope this initiative will create lifelong memories for the fans who come to watch.”
The revamped Hero Hockey India League will showcase an exciting mix of eight men’s teams and four women’s teams, offering fast-paced, world-class action. The men’s league will begin on December 28, 2024, at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, with the final match set for February 1, 2025. Meanwhile, the women’s league is scheduled to kick off on January 12, 2025, at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium in Ranchi, with the finale slated for January 26, 2025.
To ensure the league reaches a broader audience, select matches for both men’s and women’s teams will be held at alternate venues, allowing fans across various regions to enjoy the thrill of live hockey.
Hockey India has partnered with Ticketgenie to make the process of securing tickets seamless and accessible. Free tickets for all matches can now be booked through Ticketgenie’s web portal (https://ticketgenie.in/Event/hero-hockey-india-league-2024-25) and app, ensuring that every hockey enthusiast can experience the excitement of the Hero Hockey India League firsthand.