Hockey India proudly announced a pioneering initiative on Tuesday, the launch of the National Women’s Hockey League for the 2024 – 2025 season, a landmark event in India’s sports history. This league is divided into two stages, kicking off with its first phase in Ranchi, Jharkhand, from April 30 to May 9, at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium. This venue previously hosted significant events like the FIH Olympic Qualifiers and the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy.
As India’s first-ever domestic women’s hockey league, it’s set to be a thrilling display of emerging talents and established skills, significantly boosting the profile of women’s hockey nationwide. The competition will be fierce among the top eight state teams from the prestigious 14th Hockey India Senior Women’s National Championships, promising to be a thrilling showcase.
The teams qualifying for this groundbreaking season are Hockey Haryana, Hockey Maharashtra, Hockey Jharkhand, Hockey Madhya Pradesh, Hockey Bengal, Hockey Mizoram, Manipur Hockey, and the Hockey Association of Odisha. Their inclusion reflects their excellence and dedication to advancing in the sport.
A unique aspect of the league is its openness to young talent, with eligibility extended to players under 21 years. This move highlights Hockey India’s commitment to nurturing young talents and developing the sport from the grassroots level.
The National Women’s Hockey League aspires to not just raise the bar for women’s hockey but also to inspire future generations of athletes throughout India. It stands as a reaffirmation of Hockey India’s dedication to promoting gender equality in sports and offering women the chance to shine in hockey.
Additionally, the league will act as an essential platform for scouting national team talent, enabling selectors to spot and cultivate future stars for international arenas.
Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India, and Bhola Nath Singh, Secretary-General, both heralded the league as a significant breakthrough for Indian hockey, especially for female athletes. They emphasized that the league demonstrates a deep-rooted commitment to fostering women’s sports and is poised to significantly contribute to the growth and development of women’s hockey in India.
