October 4th 2024.
Exciting news for all hockey fans as the Hockey India League is set to make a comeback in 2024 after a hiatus of seven years. This tournament, which has not been held since 2017, is a significant milestone for the sport. The president of Hockey India, Dilip Tirkey, could not contain his excitement as he announced the return of the league, calling it a 'dream come true' for him.
But it's not just Tirkey's dream, it's a dream shared by the entire nation. The Hockey India League is not just a platform for players, but also a source of national pride. Tirkey believes that it will soon become one of the best leagues in the world, with top players from around the globe competing from December 28 to February 5.
The announcement of the HIL's return was made official by Hockey India on Friday, ending the long wait for fans. The upcoming season will feature eight men's teams and six women's teams, with matches scheduled to take place from December 28 to February 5. While the men's tournament will be held in Rourkela, the women's competition will take place in Ranchi.
What makes this year's HIL even more special is that it will feature women's teams for the first time. In a groundbreaking move, Hockey India has decided to run both leagues simultaneously, giving equal importance to both men and women's hockey.
The inclusion of the women's Hockey India League has sparked even more excitement as it promises to not only provide a platform for women players, but also help in the development of the women's national team. This is crucial, especially after the men's team won back-to-back bronze medals in the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, while the women's team failed to qualify for the Paris Olympics after finishing fourth in Tokyo.
The disappointment of not qualifying for the Olympics was felt by all, including Hockey India Secretary General, Bola Nath Singh. However, he has assured fans that in the upcoming World Cup and Olympics, the men's team will bring home a gold medal and the women's team will also secure a medal, no matter the color. Exciting times lie ahead for the sport of hockey, and we can't wait to witness the action unfold.
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