The second edition of the Hockey India League (HIL) concluded on Monday with an exciting final at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. Kalinga Lancers emerged victorious, defeating Ranchi Royals with a close score of 3-2 to lift the coveted title. This thrilling match capped off a month of high-quality hockey action that showcased the skill and determination of India's top players.
Fan Turnout Concerns and Regional Disparities
While the men's final attracted a packed stadium in Bhubaneswar, other matches throughout the tournament saw disappointing attendance figures. Similar issues were observed in Ranchi, where fan interest varied significantly across games. In contrast, the women's tournament, held entirely in Ranchi, enjoyed better engagement, with the final drawing a large and enthusiastic crowd. However, the men's matches in Chennai struggled with poor spectator turnout, highlighting regional disparities in hockey's popularity.
Hockey India's Strategic Shift to North India
In response to these challenges, Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey has announced a strategic move to relocate the tournament to North India starting next season. During a press interaction in Bhubaneswar, Tirkey revealed plans to select either Delhi or Chandigarh as the primary venue, aiming to tap into the region's strong hockey fanbase. He emphasized that the number of venues will be limited to 2-3 to maintain focus and efficiency.
Tirkey stated, "We will take it to north India next year – Delhi or Chandigarh. We will choose one of the two venues. Overall, we won't increase the number of venues and keep it to 2-3." This decision is part of a broader effort to revitalize the league and enhance its appeal across the country.
Financial Reforms and Franchise Sustainability
To ensure the long-term success of the HIL, Hockey India is implementing several financial reforms. Tirkey expressed hope to secure more sponsors and increase central marketing investments with support from the government and corporate partners. A key initiative involves reducing franchise fees significantly. Currently, men's teams pay Rs. 7 crore per year, while women's teams pay Rs. 3 crore per year. This reduction aims to prevent team withdrawals and attract new franchises.
Tirkey highlighted growing interest, "People in Gujarat have already shown interest in having teams in the men's tournament. From Odisha, too, we have seen corporates expressing keenness." These developments signal potential expansion and greater stability for the league.
Women's Tournament Expansion and Equality Efforts
Discussions are also underway to expand the women's tournament. Digvijay Singh Deo, vice-president of SG Sports, advocates for a gradual increase in teams, suggesting a move to five teams initially, following the Women's Premier League model, with a goal of reaching six teams in a couple of years. He stressed the importance of nurturing talent to achieve Olympic success.
Digvijay explained, "If the target is to get the women into the Olympics and win a medal there, you need much more talent coming through and I think the talent is there." Additionally, he called for equal prize money between men's and women's tournaments, noting that current prize money stands at Rs. 3 crores for women compared to Rs. 6 crores for men.
Long-Term Vision for Indian Hockey Growth
These comprehensive measures, from venue changes to financial adjustments and equality initiatives, are deemed essential for the HIL's sustained success. By addressing fan engagement, franchise viability, and gender parity, Hockey India aims to foster a robust ecosystem that supports the growth of Indian hockey at all levels. The league's evolution is crucial for developing talent, increasing visibility, and inspiring future generations of players across the nation.
