Hockey India Unveils National Women’s League 2024–2025: A Game-Changer for Women’s Hockey

The future of women’s hockey in India looks brighter than ever with the announcement of the National Women’s League 2024-2025 by Hockey India. The league, set to take place in two phases, will kick off in Ranchi, Jharkhand from 30th April to 9th May 2024.

The Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, which recently hosted the FIH Olympic Qualifiers and the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy, will be the venue for all matches during the inaugural phase of the league. This sets the stage for an exciting showcase of talent and skill, as the top state teams from the Senior National Championships battle it out for supremacy.

The inclusion of young talent, with players under the age of 21 eligible to participate, highlights Hockey India’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering development at the grassroots level. President Dilip Tirkey expressed his belief in the league’s potential to elevate the standard of women’s sports and inspire the next generation of athletes.

The National Women’s League will not only provide a platform for emerging athletes but also serve as a vital scouting platform for the national team. Selectors will have the opportunity to identify and nurture talent for future international competitions, further solidifying India’s position in the world of women’s hockey.

Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh echoed Tirkey’s sentiments, emphasizing the league’s significance in promoting gender equality in sports and creating pathways for women to excel in hockey. The National Women’s League is indeed a watershed moment for women athletes in India, signaling a new era of growth and development in women’s hockey.