Ranchi: Ranchi is all set to witness the excitement of hockey once again. Starting from 12th January 2025, the first-ever Hockey India League (HIL) Women’s edition will begin at the Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Morhabadi. The opening ceremony is expected to feature Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan, along with several other celebrities.
The league will see four teams competing: Delhi SG Pipers, Odisha Warriors, Bengal Tigers, and Surma Hockey Club. A total of 13 matches will be played during the league, with six women hockey players from Jharkhand showcasing their talent. Salima Tete and Nikki Pradhan will represent Surma Hockey Club, while Sangeeta Kumari and Deepika Soreng will play for Delhi SG Pipers. Beauty Dungdung and Binima Dhan will represent Bengal Tigers.
The matches will take place over 13 days, with the first game between Delhi SG Pipers and Odisha Warriors scheduled for 12th January. Additional matches will be held in Rourkela on 17th and 19th January. Hockey India and Hockey Jharkhand have already begun preparations for the event. The stadium is being upgraded, with trials for lighting, LED screens, and other equipment underway. Hotels in the city have been fully booked, and teams are expected to arrive in Ranchi by 8th January.
Hockey India Secretary General Bholanath Singh confirmed that preparations are in full swing and that the excitement of hockey will once again be felt in Ranchi.