'Hockey India League is very close to my heart': FIH President Dato Tayyab Ikram

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The Hero Hockey India League 2024-25 kicked off in grand style on December 28 and is now captivating fans with thrilling matches at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, Odisha.

The tournament, featuring eight men's teams, has showcased top-tier hockey action, drawing attention from across the globe. During a special New Year press conference, International Hockey Federation (FIH) President Dato Tayyab Ikram shared his thoughts on the event and the state of hockey worldwide.

Speaking on the league's significance, Ikram expressed his admiration, saying, "Hockey India League is very close to my heart. It's an athlete-centric initiative. Globally, we need more platforms that provide athletes with opportunities to perform and receive the recognition they deserve. The Hockey India League has a unique organisation and timing, scheduled within a window specially sanctioned by the FIH, which enables top athletes to come together and compete, making it much more than just a hockey competition."

Ikram emphasized the league's broader impact, not just for Indian hockey but on a global scale. "I believe this initiative is a great initiative not just for Indian hockey, but also for the global hockey. Significant participation from players along with the involvement of domestic talent will have a profound impact on the sport's growth and development," he noted.

Highlighting the significance of the venue, Ikram stated, "One of the best hockey venues in the world, is in the limelight alongside some incredible hockey action, thanks to the league's global broadcast and coverage. The response from Rourkela is no surprise-they are an integral part of the process to understand and recognise what Hockey India League truly is."

Reflecting on a successful year for global hockey, Ikram, who was re-elected as FIH President at the recent FIH Congress in Oman, shared insights into 2024's milestones. "We started 2024 with the Hockey5s World Cup in Oman, which was a dream come true. It wasn't just about organising the event but also about welcoming participation from emerging nations like Namibia, Kenya, Oman, and Paraguay, alongside hockey powerhouses such as Australia, the Netherlands, and India. It was truly about bridging the gap between these nations."

Ikram also outlined other key achievements for the FIH over the past year. "Apart from FIH Congress, we also held two National Association Summits. We also held an engagement process in 2024, which resulted in the Nations Cup 2. Our performance in the Paris Olympics was a significant feature of 2024. We are very happy that the figures are coming out, and it was one of the most successful years for global hockey," he concluded.

As the league progresses, the Hockey India League continues to strengthen its position as a vital platform for fostering talent and enhancing the global appeal of hockey.