Only four women’s teams in Hockey India League Auction instead of six: Here’s why

The spotlight of the Hockey India League (HIL) auction has shifted to the women’s event. However, contrary to the original plan of having six women’s teams, only four are participating in the first season. The women’s league, which was set to debut alongside the men’s tournament, has been scaled down for its inaugural season due to unforeseen circumstances.

Legal proceedings delay New Franchises in HIL Women’s event

Hockey India had announced six teams for the women’s league, but only four will be competing in the first season. This change occurred because two of the announced franchises, Hyderabad Toofans and a Mumbai-based team owned by the BC Jindal Group, will only join from Season 2. These teams are currently delayed due to ongoing legal proceedings.

“Two of the women’s franchises will be announced shortly after the closure of legal proceedings in the coming days,” an official statement read. However, these teams will not take part in the 2024 season. Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey confirmed this change, stating to Indian Express: “After we announced that there would be six teams, Roundglass unfortunately had to miss out. We do have two new teams confirmed… but on Tuesday, when the auction for the women’s league takes place, we will have only four teams.”

Teams competing in Women’s HIL Season One

The four teams confirmed for the women’s league auction are JSW’s Soorma Hockey Club (Haryana and Punjab), Shrachi Rahr Bengal Tigers (West Bengal), Delhi SG Pipers (New Delhi), and Odisha Warriors (Rourkela).

These teams will bid for top talent in the auction, with a player pool consisting of over 250 domestic players and more than 70 international stars.

New franchises face challenge in Hockey India League

The new teams, Hyderabad Toofans and Mumbai, will face an added challenge when they join in Season 2. Since the best players will be selected during this year’s auction, these new franchises might struggle to secure top-tier talent for their squads. “If the teams wanted to take part in the auction this season, they could have. But the respective managements decided they will take part from the second season,” Tirkey said.

The women’s teams will need to build their squads from a purse of ₹2 crore, half the amount allotted to the men’s teams, while maintaining a balance of 24 players, including 16 Indians and 8 overseas recruits.

Key Players to watch in HIL Auction

While the league promises to give a platform to young Indian talent, all eyes will be on India’s top internationals, including captain Salima Tete, veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia, and star forward Vandana Katariya. International stars like Charlotte Stapenhorst (Germany), Maria Granatto (Argentina), and Nike Lorenz (Germany) are expected to be top international recruits.

Future Prospects for Hockey India League

Although the Hockey India League first season will feature only four teams, the addition of new franchises in the future promises growth for women’s hockey in India. The reduced number of teams for this season might lead to adjustments in the scheduling and format of the league, but the long-term goal remains to elevate Indian women’s hockey to new heights, just as the HIL did for the men’s game.

With Hockey India’s backing and top-tier international talent, the women’s league is poised to be a transformative platform for young Indian players to shine on the global stage.