Hockey India League 2024-25: Delhi vs Gonasika to play opener, full schedule, streaming, and all you need to know

The Hero Hockey India League 2024-25 begins with Delhi SG Pipers vs Gonasika in Rourkela. Know schedule, teams, key players, and live streaming details.

The Hero Hockey India League (HIL) is making a grand comeback for the 2024-25 season, starting tomorrow (28th December) with a high-voltage season opener between Shamsher Singh led Delhi SG Pipers and Manpreet Singh’s Gonasika at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela. A total of 8 teams will be playing in the tournament in Rourkela for the prestigious trophy. The final will take place on the 1st of February.

Both teams are excited for HIL opener

Shamsher Singh shared his thoughts on the first game “All our players are excited to play against Gonasika and are well-prepared. We aim to execute our strategy and take the league one game at a time.”

Meanwhile, Gonasika’s captain, Manpreet Singh is also enthusiastic about the game. “HIL is returning after seven years, and our team is ready. We’ll focus on minimising their scoring opportunities and playing our best game.” he stated.

Hockey India League Opening ceremony details

HIL will have a opening ceremony on December 28, 2024, at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela. The event will be headlined by Bollywood star Sara Ali Khan and music artist King, both set to deliver performances. Adding to the spectacle, the renowned Shiamak Davar Dance Troupe will perform a dance in the opening ceremony.

Men’s HIL format: Two phases, eight teams, one goal

The men’s league begins in Rourkela, featuring eight teams competing in two phases.

• Phase 1 (28 December – 18 January): Each team will face the others once in a round-robin format.

• Phase 2 (19 January – 1 February): The teams will split into two pools:

  • Pool A: Delhi SG Pipers, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, Soorma Hockey Club, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers
  • Pool B: Gonasika, Hyderabad Toofans, Tamil Nadu Dragons, UP Rudras

The top four teams will advance to the semi-finals on 31 January, with the grand final scheduled for 1 February.

Which Teams are playing in Men’s HIL and who are the captains and cpaches?

Players to watch out for in Hockey India League

• Jarmanpreet Singh (Delhi SG Pipers): One of the best Indian defenders, who is renowned for his vision and playmaking ability, crucial for his team’s strategies.
• Gonzalo Peillat (Hyderabad Toofans): Germany’s master dragflicker who is known for great penalty corner conversions.
• Abhishek (Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers): Abhishek is one of the underrated forwards in the league. He’s known for his agility and ability to score underpressure.
• Harmanpreet Singh (Soorma Hockey Club): Without a doubt, one of the World’s best player. He has the ability to score crucial goals. India’s top dragflicker currently.
• Jip Janssen (Tamilnadu): Dutch drag-flick expert, excels in precision and power, making him a formidable threat in set plays.
• Manpreet Singh (Team Gonasika): India’s midfield maestro over the years have years of experience in playmaking and leading teams.
• Hardik Singh (UP Rudras): Among the world’s best midfielders, is known for his creativity and versatility.
• Alexander Hendrickx (Vedanta Kalinga Lancers): Belgium’s world-class dragflicker, brings exceptional power and accuracy, proving crucial for scoring off penalty corners.

Where to get Hockey India League Tickets

For the Hockey fans, the entry will be free, but you have to buy a ticket. The tickets for Hockey India League will be available on Ticketgenie’s web portal and app.

Where to watch Hockey India League (HIL)

Fans can catch the matches live on Doordarshan (DD Sports) and Sony Sports Network (Sony Ten 1, 3, 4). For digital streaming, the action will be available on Sony LIV and Waves, Prasar Bharati’s new OTT platform. The excitement is real as HIL 2024-25 promises to deliver unforgettable hockey action, uniting players and fans alike!

Hockey India League full schedule

Here’s the table for the Hockey India League 2024-25 men’s schedule: