Rohan Chowdhury
The month-long Franchise Hockey India League (HIL) is nearing its thrilling conclusion, with the Women’s League already concluding its first season with the Odisha Warriors crowned champions. Meanwhile, the Men’s League is heating up as it heads into the semi-final stage.
Odisha Warriors Triumph in Women’s League
In a captivating final, Odisha Warriors defeated JSW Soorma Hockey Club 2-1 to become the first-ever champions of the Women’s Hockey India League. The women’s tournament featured four teams: Odisha Warriors, JSW Soorma Hockey Club, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, and Delhi SG Pipers, who finished in third and fourth places, respectively.
The tournament’s matches were primarily played in Ranchi, with a few fixtures held in Rourkela. Hockey India Secretary General, Shri Bholanath Singh, expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support shown by fans throughout the tournament. “We saw a warm response from the fans throughout, especially in Ranchi. The final was a jam-packed stadium with almost 10,000 people present, cheering for the girls,” he said.
A Platform for Young Talent
The inaugural Women’s HIL provided a significant platform for emerging talent. “The HIL proved to be a great opportunity for young girls to showcase their skills,” Bholanath noted. “While everyone already knew the senior players who represent the national team, this tournament offered a stage for younger players who are on the verge of cracking the national team.”
He also highlighted the invaluable experience Indian players gained by sharing a dressing room with global stars. “Think of the opportunity the young girls got—sharing a dressing room with global stars like Yibbi Jansen and others. Training, eating, and learning from them.”
“These experiences are invaluable, and the results will be visible soon as these girls move closer to national team call-ups”, he added.
Expansion of the Women’s League Next Season
Looking ahead, Singh confirmed that the league will expand in the upcoming season. “We’re already in talks with some franchises, and I can guarantee that next year the league will feature six teams,” he said. When asked about the potential new teams, Bholanath smiled and replied, “Let’s not discuss that now, but Jharkhand might have one team.”
Lessons Learned and Future Plans
Reflecting on his experience as the Secretary General of the Hockey Federation, Bholanath acknowledged the unique challenges of organising a franchise-based tournament. “We’ve hosted the Hockey World Cup, the FIH Pro League, and multiple international events, but hosting a franchise tournament is different. Indian and foreign players in the same team, franchise owners, and various stakeholders involved—it was a learning experience for us. We learned a lot, and I can guarantee you that next year will be an even better experience for everyone,” he added.
Feedback from Franchise Owners
Singh also shared feedback from the franchise owners. “I’ve spoken to all of them, and they are happy with the overall experience. Yes, there were a few minor shortcomings, but everyone is looking forward to next year. The spectacle will be even bigger and better,” he noted.
A Thrilling Men’s League
As the Men’s League approaches its semi-finals, Bholanath expressed his surprise at the level of competition. “We didn’t expect it to be this competitive. Just look at the table, and you’ll understand. We’re already at the business end, and the equations are still unclear. That shows how competitive the tournament has been.”
“We promise that the men’s final will be a gala event as well,” he said.
Expanding the League to Other Venues
Singh also revealed his plans for expanding the league’s reach. “It’s my personal aim to spread the event to more venues. There are logistical challenges, but if the franchise owners agree to a multiple-venue format, we can certainly have more cities hosting matches in the future,” he said.
When asked about potential new venues, Bholanath shared exciting possibilities. “Apart from Bhubaneswar, Rourkela, and Ranchi, we have good turfs in Chennai, a high-standard one coming up in Kolkata. Bengaluru and Chandigarh could be other possible venues”, he said. The final words however remain with the franchise owners. Singh concluded, “If all the franchise owners agree, we could see these venues hosting matches, which would be great for the tournament.”
As the inaugural season of the Hockey India League winds down, the growing excitement around both the women’s and men’s leagues signifies a bright future for Indian hockey. With expanded teams, more venues, and enhanced competition, and the Men’s final approaching, the next season already promises to be an even bigger spectacle.