• By Shiv Naresh

This centenary year pays tribute to a century of excellence and future aspirations, highlighted by the relaunch of the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) and the historic inauguration of the Women’s HIL. The national body for hockey, formed on November 7, 1925, in Gwalior, laid the foundation for India’s prominent position in the sport, evidenced by eight Olympic Gold medals and a Hockey World Cup victory. Indian Hockey has also witnessed a resurgence in recent years, with the Men’s Team clinching back-to-back medals at the Olympics after a 52 year long wait.

The return of HIL symbolizes the union of past achievements and future ambitions, with Indian hockey continually evolving and adapting. The league’s comeback, featuring equal opportunities for men and women, demonstrates Hockey India’s dedication to progress and gender equality, solidifying its legacy and forward-looking vision for the sport.

About HOCKEY INDIA
HOCKEY INDIA (HI) is the governing body with exclusive mandate to direct and conduct all activities for both men and women’s hockey in India. It is recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Govt. of India as the sole body responsible towards promoting Hockey in India.
Headquartered in New Delhi, Hockey India was established on 20th May, 2009 and is affiliated to the International Hockey Federation (FIH), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Asian Hockey Federation (AHF).
Committed to the development of Hockey in the country, Hockey India with the assistance of Sports Authority of India and Department of Sports, Government of India, trains players at sub-junior, junior and senior level. The governing body engages in Coaching the coaches with International Standard certification programs, educates and equips technical officials and umpires to find a foothold in international arena, provides world-class infrastructure and International exposure for the players besides regular international competition. Hockey India has also pioneered in bringing top International hockey events to India such as the FIH Men’s World Cup in 2010 and 2018, FIH Champions Trophy in 2014, FIH Junior Men’s World Cup in 2016 and 2021, FIH Hockey World League Final in 2017. With its vision to popularize the game and constantly promote it, Hockey India brought the Indian Men’s Hockey Team into the top three in the world. Hockey India is also dedicated to getting the Indian Women’s Hockey Team into the top three in the world.
Follow us on:
www.hockeyindia.org | Twitter: @TheHockeyIndia | Facebook: Hockey India | Instagram: hockeyindia

About ODISHA

Odisha – the Eastern State of India – is known for its love for Hockey and over the years it has evolved to be the Global Hub of Hockey. The State successfully hosted the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018, followed by the FIH Men’s Series Finals Bhubaneswar Odisha, FIH Olympic Qualifiers Odisha, and FIH Hockey Pro League 2020-21. Odisha has previously hosted the Champions Trophy 2014 and the Odisha Men’s Hockey World League Final Bhubaneswar 2017. Odisha also hosted the FIH Men’s Hockey Junior World Cup in 2021.

Kalinga Lancers, the team owned by the State, were the winners in the Hockey India League 2017. Taking a step further towards realizing the dream of restoring the glory of Indian Hockey at the global level, the State is sponsoring the Indian Hockey Teams till 2033.

Odisha also hosted the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 and the Rourkela and Bhubaneswar legs of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2022/23 and 2023/24.
Follow us on:
http://odishatourism.gov.in
http://department.sportsodisha.gov.