India to Host Women's Hockey League for First Time: Hockey India President

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey announced that India will host the inaugural Women's Hockey India League. With strong support from the Odisha government, the league aims to benefit young players and coaches. The focus is also on the 2028 Olympics, Asian Games, and FIH World Cup.

India is set to host its first-ever Women's Hockey India League, according to an announcement made by Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey on Sunday. Tirkey emphasized the crucial support from the Odisha government, describing it as the 'backbone of Hockey India.' He highlighted the league as a significant platform for young talent.

'The Odisha government is the backbone of Hockey India. Our future plans are largely centered around the Hockey India League (HIL), an essential platform for emerging players and coaches,' said Tirkey. 'Currently, our main focus is the success of both men's and women's HIL. The Asian Games, FIH World Cup, and the 2028 Olympics also remain high on our agenda.'

Tirkey praised the extraordinary performance of Hockey India over the past four years, citing notable achievements such as a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics and another at the Paris Olympics. He also commended Harmanpreet Singh, the leading goal-scorer of the Paris Olympics, for his stellar contributions. India finished 71st in the Paris Olympics medals tally, while the United States topped the chart with 126 medals.