Hockey India League is an annual franchise based field hockey tournament held in India. Hockey India League was inaugurated in 2013 and it is hosted by India’s national hockey body, Hockey India.
Official Logo of Hockey India League
Tournament Info
Hockey India League was started by Hockey India after the controversies with Indian Hockey Federation who inaugurated their own franchise based tournament. Hockey India League is sanctioned by International Hockey Federation and it also provides a 30 days window so that all the International players are available for action.
Tournament Format
Hockey India League is played with Round-robin style of play with each team meeting the rest twice; once in home ground and the other in the opponents’ home.
Points are awarded based on the results of the matches and the top four teams at the end of all the round robin matches move into the Play offs from where two teams forward into the final.
Hockey India League Franchises
Hockey India League had 5 teams int he first edition during 2013. However, a new team was added running into the 2014 season. The teams are based on a place which has a rich tradition of Hockey. The teams are,
- Delhi Waveriders
- Mumbai Magicians
- Punjab Warriors
- Ranchi Rhinos
- Uttar Pradesh Wizards
- Kalinga Lancers
History
2013
In the first edition of the Hockey India League, Ranchi Rhinos were crowned as the Champions as they defeated Delhi Waveriders in the finals of the tournament.Delhi Waveriders dominated the entire tournament while Mumbai Magicians suffered a body blow due to the exile of Pakistan players and finished at last position.Icon players such as Jamie Dwyer, Teun de Noojer, Sardar Singh were part of the Hockey India League 2013.
2014
The mini-auctions were conducted for the Hockey India League back in November 2013 with Ramandeep Singh, young Indian player receiving the highest bid. Star Sports, official broadcaster has planned to promote Hockey in the country like never before.
Title Sponsors
Hero, a moto corp company has sponsored the Hockey India League from Inaugural edition. Hero has assured that they will be promoting the national game in the country. Airtel joined in as an associate sponsor.
Mascot
An Official mascot was unveiled to attract the viewers before the start of Hockey India League 2014. The Mascot was named as Gaurav and is a tiger.
Hockey India League Official Website
http://league.hockeyindia.org/