Hockey India League’s third edition on shaky ground
The Hockey India League is facing significant operational instability during its third edition, with multiple franchises struggling to continue. Issues include financial disputes, lack of sponsorship, and difficulty attracting foreign players, leading to a likely reduction in the number of participating teams.
Why it matters
The instability threatens the viability of professional field hockey in India, potentially impacting the sport's commercial growth and development in the region.
Even as the Indian hockey teams returned disappointing performances from the ongoing World Cup, the revived Hockey India League’s third edition seems to be on shaky ground.
The HIL is battling for survival on several fronts barely two years after being re-launched with much fanfare. Multiple sources have confirmed to The Hindu that more than one existing team is on the verge of exiting and there are question marks over the women’s competition as well. In addition, very few foreign players have expressed interest in returning for the league.
“Last year, the Ranchi franchise came in as replacement for the Odisha team in the women’s competition and Gonasika among the men. Shrachi Tigers, who own the Bengal franchise among both men and women, are also on the lookout of investors to offload and exit,” federation sources admitted.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in