Hockey India has revealed plans for the inaugural National Women’s Hockey League 2024-2025, a groundbreaking move that signals a major development in the country’s sporting scene. Scheduled in two phases, the league’s first leg is slated to occur in Ranchi, Jharkhand, from April 30th to May 9th, 2024. All matches during this period will be held at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium, which has previously hosted prestigious events such as the FIH Olympic Qualifiers and the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy.
This league, the first of its kind in India, aims to showcase the abundant talent and skill in women’s hockey while providing a platform for emerging athletes. It will feature intense competition among the top eight state teams that excelled in the 14th Hockey India Senior Women’s National Championships.
The participating teams in the inaugural season include Hockey Haryana, Hockey Maharashtra, Hockey Jharkhand, Hockey Madhya Pradesh, Hockey Bengal, Hockey Mizoram, Manipur Hockey, and Hockey Association of Odisha, all recognized for their outstanding performance and dedication to the sport.
Notably, the league will welcome young talent, allowing players under the age of 21 to participate, emphasizing Hockey India’s commitment to nurturing talent from grassroots levels.
Beyond its significance in elevating women’s hockey standards, the National Women’s Hockey League is seen as a platform for inspiring the next generation of athletes. It also serves as a crucial scouting ground for the national team, aiding selectors in identifying and nurturing talent for international competitions.
Hockey India President, Dr. Dilip Tirkey, hailed the league as a pivotal moment for Indian hockey, particularly for women athletes, reaffirming the organization’s dedication to women’s sports. Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the league’s role in bolstering women’s hockey at regional and national levels while inspiring young girls to pursue the sport.