New Delhi, Apr 10:
Hockey India on Tuesday unveiled yet anotherground-breaking initiative, the National Women’s Hockey League 2024-2025, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s sporting landscape.
The league is structured into two phases, with the inauguralphase set to take place in Ranchi, Jharkhand, from April 30 to May 9. All matches during this phase will be hosted at the Marang GomkeJaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium where the recent FIH OlympicQualifiers and the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy were held.
The National Women’s Hockey League is the first domestic women’s league ofits kind in India, promising an exhilarating showcase of talent andskill. Aiming to provide a platform for emerging athletes and elevatethe stature of women’s hockey in the country, the league will witnessfierce competition among the top state teams that finished in top eightat the marquee 14th Hockey India Senior Women’s National Championships.
Followingthe conclusion of the 14th Hockey India Senior Women’s NationalChampionship, the top eight state teams who have earned their place inthe inaugural season of the National Women’s Hockey League are – HockeyHaryana, Hockey Maharashtra, Hockey Jharkhand, Hockey Madhya Pradesh,Hockey Bengal, Hockey Mizoram, Manipur Hockey, and Hockey Association ofOdisha, reflecting their outstanding performance and commitment to thesport.
Notably, the league will also open its doors to youngtalent, with players under the age of 21 eligible to participate. Thisinclusion of youth players underscores Hockey India’s dedication tonurturing talent and fostering development at the grassroots level.
TheNational Women’s Hockey League holds immense promise not only inelevating the standard of women’s hockey but also in inspiring the nextgeneration of athletes across the nation. Through this initiative,Hockey India reaffirms its commitment to promoting gender equality insports and creating pathways for women to excel in hockey.
Furthermore,the National Women’s Hockey League will serve as a vital scoutingplatform for the national team, providing selectors with the opportunityto identify and nurture talent for future international competitions.
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey expressed his enthusiasm for thel eague, stating, “The National Women’s Hockey League marks a watershedmoment for Indian hockey, particularly for our women athletes. This league is a testament to our unwavering commitment to women’s sports andwill serve as a catalyst for the growth and development of women’shockey in the country.”
Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh expressed his enthusiasm for the league, stating, “The National Women’s Hockey League marks a watershed moment for Indianhockey, particularly for our women players. This league is a testamentto our unwavering commitment to women’s sports and will catalyse the growth and development of women’s hockey in the country.”
