The inaugural Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 auction witnessed a frenzy of bidding, with over 300 players competing for 86 coveted slots across four teams. High-profile names like Vandana Katariya and Savita Punia were snapped up, while promising young talent also found their place in the league, setting the stage for an exciting first season.
PR Sreejesh, the legendary Indian hockey goalkeeper, has embarked on a new journey after retiring from playing. He is now focused on mentoring the next generation of hockey stars, taking on the role of head coach for the junior men’s national team. With the Junior World Cup next year and the upcoming Olympics in Los Angeles and Brisbane, Sreejesh is determined to lay a strong foundation for the future of Indian hockey.
The Hockey India League is back after a seven-year hiatus, bringing an eight-team men’s competition to Rourkela and a six-team women’s tournament to Ranchi. This episode of the Sportstar Podcast dives into the excitement surrounding the return of HIL, exploring the anticipated matchups and the impact it will have on Indian hockey.
Indian hockey star Harmanpreet Singh, captain of the national men’s team, credits the Hockey India League (HIL) for playing a pivotal role in his career development. He believes the league’s return after a seven-year hiatus will provide a significant boost to Indian hockey, particularly for young players, as they get to rub shoulders with international stars.
Yuvraj Walmiki, a former Indian hockey international, shares his journey from the slums of Mumbai to the national stage. Despite missing out on the Olympics due to injury, he remains passionate about the sport and is now giving back by coaching and mentoring young players, hoping to revive Mumbai’s hockey legacy.
Indian hockey has undergone a remarkable transformation since its 2008 Olympic miss, moving from a sport rooted in poverty to one achieving Olympic podium finishes. Despite this progress, the sport still faces challenges in transitioning to professionalization. Players, often from humble backgrounds, struggle to secure financial stability, leading to calls for central contracts similar to cricket.
Indian hockey star PR Sreejesh concluded his international career on a high note, winning a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. His final match saw India defeat Spain 2-1 in the third-place play-off, marking the second consecutive Olympic podium finish for the Indian team. Sreejesh, known for his exceptional goalkeeping skills, celebrated the victory with his signature goalpost climb, reiterating his decision to retire.
Hockey India has selected a 16-member men’s hockey team for the Paris 2024 Olympics, featuring a mix of experienced players and exciting debutants. Led by Harmanpreet Singh and vice-captain Hardik Singh, the team aims to add to India’s impressive Olympic medal haul in the sport.
