Hockey India Launches National Women’s Hockey League 2024–25, First Domestic League for Women in India

Hockey India Makes History with Launch of National Women’s Hockey League 2024-25

In a groundbreaking move, Hockey India announced the launch of the National Women’s Hockey League 2024-25, the first domestic hockey league for women in India. The league is set to kick off with its inaugural phase in Ranchi, Jharkhand, from April 30 to May 9, promising an exciting showcase of talent and skills.

All matches during the first phase will be held at the prestigious Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium, the same venue that hosted the recent FIH Olympic Qualifiers and the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy. The league aims to elevate the stature of women’s hockey in the country and provide a platform for emerging athletes to shine.

Eight top state teams from the 14th Hockey India Senior Women’s National Championships have qualified for the league, including Hockey Haryana, Hockey Maharashtra, Hockey Jharkhand, and others. Notably, the league will also welcome young talent, with players under the age of 21 eligible to participate, highlighting Hockey India’s commitment to nurturing talent at the grassroots level.

The National Women’s Hockey League holds immense promise in inspiring the next generation of athletes and promoting gender equality in sports. It will also serve as a crucial scouting platform for the national team, providing selectors with the opportunity to identify and develop talent for future international competitions.

Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey and Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh expressed their enthusiasm for the league, emphasizing its significance in advancing women’s hockey at both regional and national levels. The launch of the National Women’s Hockey League marks a historic moment for Indian hockey and sets the stage for a bright future for women athletes in the country.