Hockey India League 2024-25: Delhi SG Pipers to Face Gonasika in Thrilling Season Opener
Rourkela (Odisha), December 27 – The much-anticipated return of the Hockey India League (HIL) for the 2024-25 season is set to commence with an exciting showdown between Delhi SG Pipers and Gonasika this Saturday. The match promises to deliver a thrilling spectacle, featuring world-class hockey and fierce competition from both teams.
The Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela will be the host venue for the men’s competition, which will run until the final on February 1. During this period, eight men’s teams will battle it out. Meanwhile, the women’s league will take place in Ranchi from January 12 to 26, where four teams will compete.
The men’s HIL will kick off in Rourkela, with Phase 1 scheduled from December 28 to January 18. During this phase, all eight teams will play against each other once. Phase 2, starting January 19, will see the teams split into two pools.
Men’s Pool A will feature Delhi SG Pipers, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, Soorma Hockey Club, and Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, while Pool B consists of Gonasika, Hyderabad Toofans, Tamil Nadu Dragons, and UP Rudras. Each team will compete within their respective pools, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals on January 31.
Delhi SG Pipers’ captain, Shamsher Singh, shared his excitement ahead of the opening match, stating, “All our players are excited to play against Gonasika and are looking forward to starting the league. We have prepared well over the last two weeks, including some bonding sessions as a team. There is pressure, but our squad is well-trained and understands the demands at this level. We aim to execute our strategies, taking it one game at a time. Every match is important, but it’s crucial to start strong tomorrow.”
The women’s HIL will also see intense action, with four teams – Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, Delhi SG Pipers, Soorma Hockey Club, and Odisha Warriors – competing in Ranchi. Matches will begin on January 12 at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium. Each team will face the others twice, and after the pool stage, the top two teams will advance to the final on January 26. Additionally, both men’s and women’s teams will play one match at an alternate venue to bring the excitement of HIL to fans across both cities.
Gonasika’s captain, Manpreet Singh, reflected on his team’s preparation, saying, “HIL is returning after seven years, and everyone in the team is excited for the match against Delhi. We have a great team dynamic, with a balanced mix of young talent, senior Indian players, and foreign professionals. We will focus on implementing our strategies and playing our game while minimizing Delhi’s goal-scoring opportunities.”
With high expectations and the thrill of competitive hockey ahead, the return of the Hockey India League is set to captivate fans across the country. The action begins this Saturday with the clash between Delhi SG Pipers and Gonasika, marking the start of a highly anticipated season.
