Hockey India announces inaugural National Women's Hockey League 2024-2025; Schedule, Venue, Format, Teams

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Signalling a landmark moment in India's sports landscape for women athletes, Hockey India on Tuesday (April 9) announced the launch of the inaugural National Women's Hockey League 2024-2025.

The league will be divided into two phases, with the first phase scheduled to commence in Ranchi, Jharkhand, from April 30th to May 9th, 2024. All matches during this phase will be held at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Jharkhand capital. It was the venue for the recent FIH Olympic Qualifiers and the Women's Asian Champions Trophy.

This pioneering domestic league aims to showcase the abundant talent and skill in women's hockey in India while providing a platform for emerging athletes. The top eight state teams from the 14th Hockey India Senior Women's National Championships have qualified for the inaugural season of the National Women's Hockey League.

These teams, including Hockey Haryana, Hockey Maharashtra, Hockey Jharkhand, Hockey Madhya Pradesh, Hockey Bengal, Hockey Mizoram, Manipur Hockey, and Hockey Association of Odisha, have demonstrated exceptional performance and dedication to the sport.

The league will also welcome young talent, with players under 21 years eligible to participate. This emphasis on youth participation underscores Hockey India's commitment to nurturing talent and fostering grassroots development.

The National Women's Hockey League not only aims to raise the standard of women's hockey but also seeks to inspire future generations of athletes across the country. It serves as a crucial platform for scouting talent for the national team, providing selectors with an opportunity to identify and nurture promising players for international competitions.

Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India, expressed his excitement for the league, highlighting its significance in promoting women's sports and fostering the growth of women's hockey in India.

"Expressing his enthusiasm for the league, Tirkey said, "The National Women's Hockey League marks a watershed moment for Indian hockey, particularly for our women athletes. This league is a testament to our unwavering commitment to women's sports and will serve as a catalyst for the growth and development of women's hockey in the country."

Bhola Nath Singh, Secretary General of Hockey India, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the league's role in advancing women's hockey at both regional and national levels while inspiring young girls to pursue their passion for the sport.

"We are thrilled to introduce the National Women's Hockey League, which represents a significant leap forward in our efforts to bolster women's hockey at both the regional and national levels. This league will not only provide a platform for elite competition but also inspire young girls to pursue their passion for hockey," said Mr Singh.