Hockey has long been a sport of national pride in India, celebrated for its rich history and the fervent passion of its fans. As we delve into the current landscape of Indian field hockey, it’s essential to recognize both its glorious past and the promising future that lies ahead. Hockey holds a special place in India’s sporting history, with a rich legacy dating back to the early 20th century.

The golden age of Indian hockey, spanning from the 1920s to the 1980s, saw India dominate the international arena, winning eight Olympic Gold medals, one Olympic Silver medal and three Olympic Bronze medals. Produced great players and hockey legends like Major Dhyan Chand, Balbir Singh, Sr. Udham Singh, Leslie Claudius, Vasudevan Baskaran, Dhanraj Pillay, Sardar Singh, Manpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, P.R. Sreejesh, Rani Rampal, Savita Punia and many more.

The sport began to witness a decline, both in terms of on-field performance after the introduction of Astro Turfs from old Grass Turfs. However, with the rise of cricket, hockey gradually lost its grip on the nation’s sporting consciousness. To counter this decline and rejuvenate interest, the Hockey India League (HIL) was launched in 2013, marking a new era in the country’s field hockey journey.

History And Concept Of the Hockey India League

Hockey India initiated the Hockey India League in collaboration with the International Hockey Federation (FIH). Launched in 2013, the league was modelled after India’s highly successful cricket tournament, the Indian Premier League (IPL). The goal was to professionalize Indian field hockey, create a competitive platform for local players, and draw international attention to the field hockey sport.

The HIL followed a franchise-based model where teams were privately owned and based in various Indian cities. Some of the most notable Indian field hockey teams were:

– Delhi Waveriders                                                                                       

– Mumbai Magicians

– Ranchi Rhinos

– Punjab Warriors

– Uttar Pradesh Wizards

Each hockey team is a mix of Indian and international hockey players. The inclusion of international stars like Jamie Dwyer (Australia), Teun de Nooijer (Netherlands), and Moritz Fürste (Germany) elevated the league’s profile, providing Indian players with the opportunity to train and compete alongside some of the world’s best field hockey players.

Structure and Format of the Hockey India League (HIL)

The Hockey India League (HIL) was structured in a round-robin format, where each team played against the others during the regular season. The top teams would advance to the playoffs, with the final showdown determining the league champion. This format ensured intense competition and showcased high-quality of field hockey throughout the league.

What made the HIL unique was the Player auction system, much like the IPL. Teams bid for top international and Indian field hockey players, creating a dynamic environment where teams could strategize based on their strengths and needs. This model provided Indian players with exposure to high-pressure, professional environments, preparing them for international competitions, especially for the Olympics.

 Impact of the Indian Hockey League

The HIL had a profound effect on Indian hockey, despite running for only five seasons. Here are the key areas where the Indian Hockey League made a significant impact:

1. Development of Indian Talent

The Hockey India League became a breeding ground for young Indian hockey talent. Players like Mandeep Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Akashdeep Singh, P.R Sreejesh,  emerged from the league and later became integral parts of the Indian national team. The exposure to top international talent and the opportunity to play in high-stakes matches contributed to the development of these field hockey players.

Moreover, HIL helped Indian players adapt to fast-paced, aggressive styles of play, which are essential for succeeding at the global level such as the Olympics, Hockey World Cup, Asian Games, etc. It was an excellent platform for young Indian players as well as international players to sharpen their skills, build confidence, and gain crucial experience.

“A lot of the current stars including Harmanpreet emerged into prominence from the Hockey India League with back-to-back Olympic medals, there could be no better time to restart the league,” said PR Sreejesh, former India goalkeeper.

 2. Reviving Public Interest in Indian Hockey

Hockey, once considered India’s national sport, had taken a backseat to cricket over the years. The HIL was instrumental in reviving interest in the game. With star players, high-intensity matches, and TV broadcasts, field hockey began to capture the public’s attention once again.

Cities like Ranchi, Lucknow, and Bhubaneswar, where field hockey has traditionally had a strong following, saw massive crowds, bringing back the excitement associated with the sport. The HIL attracted not just traditional hockey fans but also a younger generation of viewers who were drawn in by the league’s fast-paced format and star India and international players.

 3. Financial Boost for Hockey Players

Before the start of the Hockey India League, field hockey players in India had few opportunities to earn substantial income from the sport. The HIL changed this by offering lucrative contracts to both Indian and international field hockey players. This financial incentive encouraged many players to focus solely on their hockey careers, improving their training and performance on the field of hockey.

The HIL’s structure provided Indian hockey players with better pay than they had previously experienced, leading to a more professional approach to the sport. The promise of earning through hockey also motivated many young hockey players to take up the sport seriously.

 4. Global Attention and Recognition

The presence of international field hockey stars in the HIL helped elevate the league’s status globally. International players praised the HIL for its organization and competitiveness. This increased the visibility of Indian hockey on the world stage and showed that India could host a successful, high-profile tournament in a sport it had once dominated.

HIL also caught the attention of global broadcasters, who helped showcase the league to an international audience. This contributed to India’s rising stature in the global hockey community.

Challenges Faced by the Hockey India League

Despite the many positives, the Hockey India League faced several challenges, which ultimately led to its suspension in 2018. These challenges included:

 1. Financial Struggles

While the Hockey India League was well-received initially, sustaining its financial model proved difficult. Many franchises found it hard to break even, as operational costs far outweighed the revenue generated through sponsorships and ticket sales. Without a solid revenue stream, maintaining the league became unsustainable for team owners, leading to the HIL’s suspension.

 2. International Schedule Conflicts

The HIL ran into scheduling issues, as it clashed with international tournaments and national duties. Top international players found it difficult to commit to the entire league due to their obligations with their respective national teams. This affected the overall quality of the Hockey India League and led to inconsistency in the participation of marquee hockey players.

 3. Competition with Cricket

Field Hockey’s battle for attention with cricket in India was always going to be tough. While the HIL created interest, it could never quite achieve the level of visibility that cricket enjoys. Competing for media coverage, sponsorships, and fan engagement in a cricket-crazy nation proved to be an uphill task.

Though the Hockey India League has been suspended since 2018, it has been revived in 2024. With the growing popularity of Indian hockey, especially after the Indian men’s team’s back-to-back bronze medal wins in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and 2024 Paris Olympics. The league will feature both men’s and women’s teams for the first time, with eight men’s teams and six women’s teams competing for glory. Matches will take place at iconic venues like the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela and the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi.

The return of the Hockey India League is a welcome boost for Indian hockey, especially following the country’s success on the international stage. The league will serve as a talent incubator for both junior and senior players, giving them exposure to top-level competition and improving their skills alongside international stars. This revival will address the issues of financial sustainability by attracting more sponsors, improving marketing strategies, and leveraging the increased interest in Indian hockey. There is also a strong demand for a domestic professional league to provide a pathway for the next generation of Indian hockey stars to showcase their skills.

“I’m very happy, especially for the women’s team in HIL. If this league continues for two, three, or even five years, we will discover many talented players. I don’t think the day is far when our women’s team will consistently finish strong on the world stage,” said Sardar Singh, former captain of Indian Hockey team.

As we have covered an important aspect of reviving field hockey through the Hockey India League, there are various factors that can be considered.

Participation in international tournaments and leagues to expose players to different playing styles and high-level competition.

Fan Engagement through marketing campaigns, organizing events, tournaments, and fan meet-ups through social media and digital platforms would help generate interest.

Sponsorships and funding from the Government and Corporates would prioritize the development of hockey.

By focusing on school and college-level programs grassroots talent could be nurtured at a young age.

Investment in training qualified coaches to provide players with the best training environments.

Lastly, ensuring equal support and investing in Women’s Hockey would go a long way.

The Hockey India League (HIL) would provide financial security to players, and give Indian hockey the professional platform it needs to compete globally. The skills, experience, and exposure gained by Indian players through the HIL will play a significant role in improving the national team’s performance on the world stage.

With hockey’s growing popularity in India, particularly after securing the Bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics and Paris Olympics, the HIL is expected to play a pivotal role in the sport’s future. The league’s success could mirror the rise of other professional sports leagues like the Indian Premier League, Indian Super League, and Pro Kabaddi League, Ultimate Table Tennis, Premier Badminton League which have helped India become a powerhouse in various sports.

As Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey noted, The league will provide a dedicated window of 35-40 days, allowing for the participation of top international players. This time frame is designed to ensure the best talent is available, making HIL one of the most competitive hockey leagues in the world.

Tags hockey, Hockey India League, revival Of Hockey, sports