There’s great news for hockey fans as Hockey India on Tuesday announced that all tickets for the upcoming Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 will be free of cost.
The tournament is making a comeback after seven years and the men’s event being held primarily in Rourkela will see eight teams locking horns against each other for the coveted crown. Also, it will be the first time that there will be a women’s tournament being held in Ranchi where four teams will play against each twice before the top two teams play the final.
“By offering free tickets, we are ensuring that everyone, regardless of financial status, has the opportunity to experience live hockey at its best. Our goal is to bring the sport closer to the fans and inspire a new generation of players and supporters,” HIL governing committee chairperson Dilip Tirkey said on the welcome move.
HIL governing committee member Bhola Nath Singh, meanwhile, said, “HIL is more than just a tournament — it is a celebration of the sport. By making it free for all, we are reinforcing our commitment to making hockey the people’s game and we hope this initiative will create lifelong memories for the fans.”
While this initiative will no doubt draw a huge number of people to the stadium, it will also create a challenge for the administration. During the Asian Champions Trophy final in Ranchi last year, things could have turned quite ugly as there were more people waiting outside the stadium than those who were watching the game inside.
The men’s league will kick off on December 28 at Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, with the grand finale scheduled to take place on February 1, 2025. As for the women’s league, it will begin on January 12 in Ranchi’s Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium, with the final slated for January 26.