The newly-built Kalinga Stadium of Bhubaneswar is staging the opening match, while capital’s Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium will host the semi finals and final of the third edition of Hero Hockey India League to be held across India from January 22 to February 22.
Hockey India League is abbreviated as HIL, is a professional league for field hockey competition in India. It is organised by Hockey India. The tournament was originally contested in the first season among five franchisee-based teams (originally planned as six) consisting of players from India and around the world. In 2014,Kalinga Lancers joined as the sixth franchise, based in Bhubaneswar. Two new teams are introduced for 2015 HIL. Dabang Mumbai has replaced Mumbai Magicians whereas Ranchi Rhinos are replaced by Ranchi Rays. The franchise teams are;
Deli Wave Riders, Kalinga Lancers, Dabany Mumbai, Punjab Warriors, Uttar Pradesh Wizards, Ranchi Rays. Interestingly, debutant Ranchi Rays, are owned by Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Each HIL franchise has 24 players which include 10 foreign and 14 Indian players. The players were acquired in an auction which was held on 16 December.
A total of 246 players were available for the auction out of which 93 were foreign player and 153 local. Teun de Nooijer is the highest paid player of the league who was bought by Uttar Pradesh whereas Sardar Singh is the highest paid Indian player bought by Delhi Wave Riders.
It was Belgium striker Tom Boon which was the most fought amongst the franchise and was finally bagged by Dabang Mumbai at USD 103000 and a price which is the highest that any player in the Hockey India League has been bought for when compared to the last two editions.
This was followed by Australian Defender Matthew Swann being also picked by Dabang Mumbai for USD 78000 and closely followed by Uttar Pradesh Wizards picking up the most sought after goalkeeper PR Sreejesh for USD 69000 and Ranchi Rays going for Australian Striker, Trent Mitton for USD 67000.
With Tom Boon securing USD 103000 for the 4 week long tournament this now puts hockey players equivalent to the European Football Players wherein Tom Boon earns USD 20000 a week in the upcoming edition of Hockey India League.
HIL the pathway to professional sport status
As witnessed by the above information hockey is making its progress steadily to becoming a professional sport. It is a necessity to do this because it is a result of this that the sport at all levels gains a new era of funding and recognition benefits.
What makes this professional league special is its location, sponsorship support, calibre of player participation and media exposure internationally. India as a location is a ready source for spectator numbers and enthusiasm. India holds a special place in many older hockey player hearts because of its hockey heritage and the talented hockey players it has produced. HIL attracts major sponsors which are more difficult to find in other countries. This benefit provides valuable income to stage the event and consequently open a further door by meeting media presence criteria.
Join in on the excitement of HIL 2015
If you are an avid hockey watcher the HIL makes excellent viewing. The event will be broadcasted worldwide and accessible through live streaming.
ESPN Star Sports (ESS) has global broadcast rights and online streaming, while regional broadcasts can be accessed as follows. Sky
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New Zealand |
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Australia |
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SE Asia |
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South Africa |
For more information go to http://league.hockeyindia.org/
Sources : various
