Women’s Hockey India League starts today, a quick guide: Teams, captains, format, where to watch and more | Hockey News
With the men’s Hockey India League well underway already, it’s time for the first-ever edition of the women’s HIL which begins in Ranchi on Sunday.
Here’s a quick guide to get you started:
How many teams are part of the Women’s Hockey India League?
Four teams in contention in the inaugural season: Delhi SG Pipers, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, Soorma Hockey Club, Odisha Warriors. It was originally announced that there would be six teams, but before the auction that came down to four. Two teams are set to be added from the second season onwards: expected to be Hyderabad Toofans and BC Jindal Group, Mumbai.
Who are the captains and coaches in women’s HIL?
All teams will have Indian captains. National team’s current and former captains Salima Tete and Savita Punia will share the leadership duties at Soorma. Current India vice captain Navneet Kaur will lead Delhi, Odisha will be led Neha Goyal while the costliest player at the auction Udita Duhan is the skipper of Bengal.
Former India coach Janneke Schopman returns to India after her controversial exit from the national team role, and she is the head coach of Odisha Warriors. Jude Menezes, former India goalkeeper, is the head coach of Soorma Hockey Club. India’s assant coach Dave Smolenaars is in charge of Delhi SG Pipers. Glenn Turner, who has played in the HIL in its previous iteration, is at the helm for Bengal Tigers.
Who are the top overseas players?
The sensational Yibbi Jansen will be playing for Odisha Warriors and she was the highest-paid overseas player at the auction. Aussie stars GK Jocelyn Bartram and Kaitlin Nobbs and another Dutch star Freeke Moes are also part of a super strong overseas group with Schopman’s Odisha, perhaps the team to beat. Maria Verschoor (Soorma), Lily Owsley (Delhi), Charlotte Englebert (Soorma), Katie Mullan (Bengal) are other notable names.
Where are the women’s HIL matches taking place?
Apart from 2 matches in Rourkela, women’s HIL will take place in Ranchi at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Hockey Stadium,.
What is the format of the women’s HIL?
It’s a much shorter tournament compared to the men’s. Each team will the other three twice in the league phase and top two at the end of it will face off in the final on 26 January
Will there be draws in women’s HIL?
Any drawn matches in the league phase will be followed a shootout. Three points to the winner in normal time; one point to the winner of a shootout following a draw plus one bonus point, and one point to the loser of the shootout, in the event of a draw. It is the same system in place in the FIH Pro League
How big are the squads in women’s HIL?
The squad size for all 4 teams in 24 players and the auctions took place in Delhi in October, with 8 of those slots for overseas players.
What’s the prize money?
In the Women’s HIL, the team that claims the title will win Rs 1.5 crore, while the runners-up will be awarded Rs 1 crore. The third-placed team will receive Rs 50 lakh.
Where can you watch women’s HIL matches?
Matches will be shown live on Sony Sports Network and DD Sports. Tickets are free for fans attending matches in Ranchi and Rourkela. Free tickets are now available on Ticketgenie’s web portal and app.
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