New Delhi: The Hockey India League (HIL) returned after a gap of seven years with the men’s competition revamped in a eight-team structure took place in Rourkela while a new dawn for women’s section was set with a four-team event held in Ranchi. It seems the league, which promised to redeem the country’s promising hockey talent after successive Olympic medals, has faced a setback.
Just a month after the final in the men’s competition was concluded, reports have emerged that players haven’t been paid their full amount of salaries. This could potentially be a case of financial irregularity although it is a nascent stage to make a comment.
According to a report by MyKhel, one of the female players in the competition has received only 20 percent of the amount she was purchased by a franchise during the HIL auction.
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey acknowledged the development and promised that the financial issues of players will be sorted out soon.
“There was a HIL review meeting conducted with all stakeholders in Bhubaneswar recently,” Tirkey told MyKhel.
The report further suggested that there were ‘huge unexpected losses’ occurred in the HIL 2024-25 edition, as revealed by a senior official of one of the teams in the competition.
It should be noted that the HIL was halted in 2017 when teams faced financial strains and thus leading to salary defaults for both players and staff members. The recent concerns are alarming and must be addressed at the priority to ensure the league has a long and bright future.
Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers won the men’s HIL event while Odisha Warriors were crowned the champions of the inaugural women’s HIL edition.
Hockey India has pondered to host the next HIL competition (2026 edition) across four cities with aim to promote the league in other parts of the country rather than just restricting the sport to Odisha.
The revived Hockey India League (HIL) faces immediate challenges after reports surfaced of significant salary delays for players. Hockey India has acknowledged the issue. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
