By Hockey India has made a historic announcement with the unveiling of the National Women’s Hockey League, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing a platform for emerging players to showcase their talent and sharpen their skills. The league, structured into two phases, will commence its inaugural phase in Ranchi from 30th April to 9th May 2024, promising an exhilarating display of women’s hockey prowess.
All matches during the inaugural phase will be held at the prestigious Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, the same venue that hosted the recent FIH Olympic Qualifiers and the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy. This choice of venue reflects the commitment to excellence and sets the stage for an intense competition among the top state teams.
The inaugural edition of the National Women’s Hockey League will feature the top-eight state teams from the 14th Hockey India Senior Women’s National Championships. These teams, including Hockey Haryana, Hockey Maharashtra, Hockey Jharkhand, Hockey Madhya Pradesh, Hockey Bengal, Hockey Mizoram, Manipur Hockey, and Hockey Association of Odisha, have earned their place through their outstanding performance and dedication to the sport.
Notably, the league will also provide an opportunity for young talent to shine, with players under the age of 21 eligible to participate. This emphasis on youth development underscores Hockey India’s commitment to nurturing talent and ensuring the future sustainability of women’s hockey in the country.
The National Women’s Hockey League holds immense promise not only in elevating the standard of women’s hockey but also in inspiring the next generation of athletes across the nation. Through this initiative, Hockey India reaffirms its commitment to promoting gender equality in sports and creating pathways for women to excel in hockey.
Furthermore, the league will serve as a vital scouting platform for the national team, providing selectors with the opportunity to identify and nurture talent for future international competitions. This strategic approach aligns with Hockey India’s vision of developing a strong talent pipeline and ensuring sustained success at the global level.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the league, Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey stated, “The National Women’s Hockey League marks a watershed moment for Indian hockey, particularly for our women athletes. This league is a testament to our unwavering commitment to women’s sports and will serve as a catalyst for the growth and development of women’s hockey in the country.”
Similarly, Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the league’s significance in catalyzing the growth and development of women’s hockey in India. The National Women’s Hockey League represents a significant step forward in the journey towards establishing women’s hockey as a premier sporting spectacle in the country.
