Hockey India League: Four women's teams to feature in season one

The inaugural season of the women's Hockey India League will have four teams with two teams added for season two.

Soorma Hockey Club owned by JSW, Delhi SG Pipers, Odisha Warriors, and Rarh Bengal Tigers are the four teams to play in the first season with Hyderabad Toofans owned by Resolute Sports and BC Jindal Group will be the other two teams from the second season.

The auction for the inaugural season is scheduled for tomorrow.

The auction will witness over 250 domestic women’s players and more than 70 overseas players vying for a spot in the inaugural season of the Women’s HIL. Highlighting the event will be India’s top women’s hockey stars, including seasoned goalkeeper Savita, team captain Salima Tete, rising drag-flicker Deepika, the most-capped Indian women’s player Vandana Katariya, and forward Lalremsiami.

Additionally, former Indian stalwarts such as Yogita Bali, Lilima Minz, and Namita Toppo have registered, adding further excitement to the auction.

On the international front, renowned players such as Delfina Merino (Argentina), Charlotte Stapenhorst (Germany), Maria Granatto (Argentina), Rachael Lynch (Australia), and Nike Lorenz (Germany) are set to participate, ensuring a global spectacle at the first-ever Women’s HIL auction.

Each team will consist of 24 players, including 16 Indian players (with a mandatory inclusion of 4 junior players) and 8 overseas players, aligning with HIL’s vision of promoting both local and global talent. Franchises will have a purse of INR 2 crores to select players, with athletes categorized under three base price slabs: INR 10 lakhs, INR 5 lakhs, and INR 2 lakhs.