AMID the proliferation of sporting leagues in the country, the scheduled comeback of Hockey India League (HIL) after seven years has warmed the hearts of hockey lovers. The league had left a fine impression till it was halted in 2017 and its revival marks a top moment in Hockey India’s history. Under Dilip Tirkey, the Hockey India was keen on reintroducing the popular tournament, and the joy the former Olympian expressed while unveiling the format of HIL 2.0 showed how much it means to a dedicated player. Though Tirkey would not be in action anymore on the field, the HIL promises to provide a solid platform for a lot of youngsters in the country. What started as a Premier Hockey League many years ago has now blossomed into HIL. Its importance can be gauged from the fact that the Federation of International Hockey (FIH) has readily granted a 35-day window for the league where top players from the world can become part of the franchise teams. It will be an exhibition of fine skills and techniques in the league at a time when hockey has seen a surge among fans.

 

The back-to-back bronze medals by the Indian men’s team in Tokyo and Paris have invigorated hockey in the country. It has been a steady rise and the following of hockey has seen a definite spike. The HIL will be a good value addition to the overall scenario for the current players as well as the budding talent. The restart of HIL is eagerly awaited not just for the melange of international stars with local talent but also for the inaugural edition of the women’s league. The HI has done extremely well to introduce women’s league, at par with the Women’s Premier League in cricket. It has come at the right time when the women’s game needed a booster dose after failing to qualify for the Paris Olympics. The women had raised expectations after the narrow loss of bronze medal in Tokyo but by faltering regularly till the Paris heartbreak they had raised alarm for the future of women’s hockey.

 

Against this backdrop, the women’s franchise games have come at the right time to help the game tide over the crisis. The introduction of an exclusive women’s league within the HIL is being hailed as providing a platform for female athletes to showcase their prowess and help build a competitive future for Indian hockey. The HIL gives women’s hockey a chance to be more inclusive. There would be a mix of current players, juniors and international stars from top countries. It is a perfect stage for the women to soak into the competitive spirit of the league and pick the best from the best in the business. It is also a fantastic opportunity for the women to make the most from the HIL. The HI chief has taken the first step towards realising his dream of reintroducing the league. Now, Tirkey and team will need to chart the further course to sustain the league. The HIL cannot afford issues cropping out of franchise management like it did seven years ago.