Indian sports history is rich of accolades and laurels. And to make this gold glitter the finest, October 2024 arrived as a watershed moment. For the first time, both the men’s and women’s leagues will be played simultaneously – a dream come true for millions of hockey enthusiasts. This moment, I personally feel, is not just the product of time but the sheer will, dedication, and foresight of one Indian Hockey’s first ever player president, Shri Dilip Tirkey.
As the auction concluded over three exhilarating days, the weight of this historic occasion was felt far beyond the gavel’s final fall. The energy was palpable not only in the auction room, but also in the hearts of hockey faithfuls who lived the past seven years as eternity. Indian hockey’s highest capped player and his administrative dignitaries ensured India’s men and women held shoulder to shoulder on a singular platform of competition, pride, and ambition. I see this not only as a mere logistical milestone but a triumph of equality and recognition.
Biased, if you may call me now, Tirkey is a member of my all-time favourite Indian Hockey team form childhood. His is a saga of perseverance and undying devotion to Indian hockey. From the rustic fields of Sundargarh to the pinnacle of Indian sports administration, his soul is intertwined with the game, his leadership reflects the values he embodied as a player—resilience, humility, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Before we get too carried away with the emotions and finances around a rejuvenated “Art of Indianness” aka, field hockey”, let me say this openly. Unlike the earliest and earlier versions of franchise hockey leagues in India, this year’s edition, however, presents a significant test not just for the league but for India’s hockey supremacy and its broader ecosystem. With two back-to-back bronze medals in major international tournaments, the expectations are higher than ever. The pressure on Indian hockey to maintain its upward trajectory remains immense, and the eyes of the world are firmly fixed on how India’s men and women navigate the demands of both international glory and domestic revival.
To further solidify this growth, its very crucial starting next year, the HIL is hosted in hockey’s regional heartlands places like Sundargarh, Coorg, Jalandhar, and Amritsar where the sport transcends the playing field and becomes a way of life. These regions with their rich hockey traditions are the lifeblood of the sport in India. Limiting the league to just a couple of cities, I personally feel would not only risk creating a monopoly but also alienate the passionate grassroots communities that have long supported and nurtured the game.
“Watershed Movement” is a big word I used earlier in this article, and I stand by my words. I did so with intent and purpose. While the men travelled to Switzerland and made it to the Paris Olympic Podium, the women were left hanging their emotions out in their homes back in India. And hence, to see Women’s League happening simultaneously with the Men’s League should be treated as a big big thing in modern-day Indian sports. There’s no bigger blessing than a player having playing opportunities and financial opportunities in their active playing years.
The journey to establish the Women’s Hockey League has been far from smooth. Initially planned with six teams—two fewer than the men’s league—the competition had to be further reduced to just four teams. Will it reflect the logistical and financial challenges the league faced? Let us keep this discussion for another day. But one thing is, this reduction immediately impacted the auction, particularly on Day 3, when bidding for women players began. Domestic and emerging stars in particular found themselves at a disadvantage, and were found struggling to secure spots in the league which could hamper their exposure and development. I commend the Hockey India League (HIL) governing committee for intervening and deciding to lower the base price for unsold players from both the Senior and Junior Women’s teams to Rs 2 lakh. In modern hockey terms, this move is akin to substituting the goalkeeper in the final minutes of Q4, opting to finish the game with 11 outfield players, a bold strategy aimed at leveling the playing field.
Now then, we all have been cribbing and crying and caddying for since many years, and we finally have the league with us now. One thing we should also be aware of is, the success of the HIL will be deeply intertwined with India’s performance on the global stage. Any dip in form or absence from the podium in major tournaments like the Asian Games, Asian Champions Trophy, or the World Cup could undermine the league’s momentum. Indian hockey players, both men and women, now carry an even greater responsibility—they are the torchbearers not just for their teams but for the future of the sport in this country. A podium finish in every international competition is no longer just a goal—it’s an expectation.
Also, while we celebrate the return of the HIL, we must not forget the tournaments that have been the backbone of India’s hockey legacy. Competitions like the Beighton Cup, Nehru Cup, and Aga Khan Cup are steeped in history and have played a crucial role in shaping Indian hockey. These iconic tournaments deserve the recognition and support of Hockey India, for they represent the roots of a sport that has given this nation its pride and passion. Commercial success should not come at the cost of tradition, and both must be nurtured in tandem.
No sport evokes the same level of emotion, pride, and passion when taken to the rural heartlands than field hockey in India. It’s in these fields and villages that the true spirit of Indian hockey thrives, where young boys and girls dream of donning the national colors and making their communities proud, and I have complete faith and trust in Dilip Tirkey’s vision and leadership. I extend not just my thanks but my deepest respect.
Dear India, and our hockey family,
This moment is ours to cherish, ours to own. Let’s celebrate the beginning of something truly extraordinary—together.
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