Top Indian hockey stars will be in action in the Hockey India League (PTI Photo)Kamal Kishore
Hockey India League full schedule, format, fixtures and teams: Explained
The men's Hockey India League will get underway from December 28 and will be held in two phases. The women's edition of the tournament will be played from January 12 to 26. Eight men's teams and four women's teams will be in action as the HIL returns to the hockey calendar.
The men's edition of the Hockey India League will be held from December 28 to February 1
The women's edition will be played from January 12 to 26
Eight men's teams and four women's teams will compete in the league
The Hockey India League (HIL) is set to make an exciting comeback with the release of its 2024-2025 season schedule, bringing a fresh format and some of the best hockey talent from across India and the globe. The season kicks off on 28 December with an opening match between Delhi SG Pipers and Team Gonasika at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela.
This year’s HIL features a robust line-up of eight men’s and four women’s teams, with both leagues promising high-energy games through their revamped formats. The men’s league will begin its journey on 28 December in Rourkela and continue through two competitive phases, culminating in a final showdown on 1 February 2025. The women’s league is set to start slightly later, on 12 January in Ranchi, with their final scheduled for 26 January.
Men’s League Format
The men’s HIL season opens with Phase 1 from December 28 to January 18, where each team will compete in a round-robin format, playing against every other team.
Following this, Phase 2 begins on January 19, dividing the teams into two pools: Pool A (Delhi SG Pipers, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, Soorma Hockey Club, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers) and Pool B (Team Gonasika, Hyderabad Toofans, Tamil Nadu Dragons, UP Rudras). Teams will face off within their respective pools, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals on 31 January, bringing fans ever closer to the season’s grand finale.
Women’s League Format
In the women’s league, starting January 12 at Ranchi’s Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium, the four teams will play a double round-robin format, facing each opponent twice. The two highest-ranking teams from this stage will meet in the final on January 26. To broaden the league’s reach, select men’s and women’s games will also take place at alternate venues, bringing HIL’s unique excitement to diverse regions.
Expressing his enthusiasm for HIL’s long-awaited return, Hockey India League Governing Committee Chairperson Dr Dilip Tirkey stated, “We are thrilled to reintroduce the HIL after a seven-year hiatus. This season promises high-calibre matches and intense competition, showcasing the best of Indian and international hockey talent. The fans’ wait is over, and the real excitement is about to begin as we embark on this journey together.”
Governing Committee Member Shri Bhola Nath Singh added, “The HIL’s return is a historic occasion for Indian hockey. We look forward to seeing the skill, passion, and thrill on display as players bring their best to the league. Our new format will make for unforgettable matches, and we’re committed to delivering a memorable season for fans.”