New Delhi: The Hockey India League (HIL) is set to make a thrilling return after a seven-year hiatus, with the much-anticipated players’ auction scheduled to take place from 13th to 15th October at the Hyatt Regency, New Delhi. HIL 2024-25 will feature both men’s and women’s leagues, marking the debut of an exclusive women’s league running alongside the men’s competition.
The players’ auction will play a key role in shaping the franchises for the upcoming season, with the men’s auction on 13th and 14th October, followed by the women’s auction on 15th October. This marks a historic moment for Indian hockey, not only reviving one of the world’s most exciting hockey tournaments but also taking a significant step forward in promoting women’s hockey in the country.
Auction Details
Over 1,000 players, both domestic and international, have registered for the HIL 2024-25 auction:
- 400+ domestic men’s players
- 150+ overseas men’s players
- 250+ domestic women’s players
- 70+ overseas women’s players
Players are divided into three base price categories: INR 2,00,000, INR 5,00,000, and INR 10,00,000, with over 600 players in the lowest category and around 250 each in the INR 5,00,000 and INR 10,00,000 brackets.
Star Players in the Auction
The men’s auction will feature India’s Olympic bronze medal-winning stars such as Captain Harmanpreet Singh, Vice-Captain Hardik Singh, and seasoned players like Manpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh. Retired Indian hockey legends Rupinder Pal Singh, Birendra Lakra, and Dharamvir Singh have also registered, adding to the excitement.
International stars like Arthur van Doren, Alexander Hendrickx, Gonzalo Peillat, Jip Janssen, and Dayaan Cassiem will bring global flair to the league.
On the women’s side, top players from the Indian Women’s Hockey Team, including Savita, Captain Salima Tete, Deepika, Vandana Katariya, and Lalremsiami, will headline the auction. Additionally, international players like Delfina Merino, Charlotte Stapenhorst, Maria Granatto, and Rachael Lynch are set to be part of the bidding, making the women’s league debut highly anticipated.
Team Composition and League Format
Each HIL team will comprise 24 players, including 16 Indian players (with a mandatory inclusion of four junior players) and eight overseas players, reflecting HIL’s commitment to promoting both local and international talent.
HIL 2024-25 Schedule and Venues
The Hockey India League will officially begin on 28th December 2024, with a grand opening ceremony at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, Odisha. Matches will take place across two iconic venues — Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi and Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela.
The women’s league final is scheduled for 26th January 2025 in Ranchi, while the men’s final will take place on 1st February 2025 in Rourkela.
To add more excitement, the league has introduced shootouts for tied matches, ensuring every game has a decisive winner and offering fans edge-of-the-seat action.
With a new format and the inclusion of a women’s league, HIL 2024-25 promises to be a groundbreaking season for Indian hockey.
