Indian women hockey athletes are appealing to Hockey India to keep the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) operational, as they believe the league has significantly boosted the confidence of a young national team. The players have attributed their preparation and readiness to compete with some of the world’s top teams to their experience in the league.
This request follows India’s commendable performance in the recent World Cup, where 11 squad members made their World Cup debuts. According to reports from PTI, India began their campaign with a 2-2 draw against Olympic silver medalists China, suffered a narrow defeat to the Netherlands, the Olympic champions, and finished with a scoreless draw against Australia.
In terms of points, India, Australia, and China all ended their matches with two points each. However, China recorded a goal difference of -3, while both India and Australia had -2, as stated by ESPN. India is now set to compete for fifth and sixth place, which would mark their best World Cup finish since 1974.
The players are vocal about the significance of the Women’s HIL in their development for international play and in nurturing emerging talent.
Veteran midfielder Neha, who led the Odisha Warriors to victory in the inaugural Women’s HIL in the 2024-25 season, mentioned that the league has motivated more young girls to take up hockey. She emphasized that the competition level in the HIL surpasses that of typical junior and senior Nationals.
“Women’s HIL has given us players like Baljeet, Sakshi, and Rutuja, who are part of this World Cup team. For upcoming players also, we need this league. It should not be discontinued,”
she told PTI.
India’s captain Salima Tete also underscored the league’s critical role in serving as a pathway to the national team.
“We have many players from HIL in the Indian team. They get a chance to be selected for the national camp, which is an important opportunity for them,”
she added.
Tete remarked that the league is vital for expanding India’s talent pool and equipping young players to manage the pressures associated with international hockey.
For these players, the chance to share the field and dressing room with seasoned international stars has proven invaluable.
Young player Sakshi Rana noted that competing alongside experienced athletes has helped her manage pressure and build confidence during the World Cup. She also mentioned the learning opportunities provided by international stars like Yibbi Janssen.
Navneet Kaur emphasized that playing with top international talents has enabled younger Indian players to conquer their fears and hesitations.
“That gave us self-belief. We often discuss that they are like us and we can beat them because we have played with them,”
she said.
Despite the players’ passionate pleas, the future of the women’s league hangs in the balance due to financial challenges. The league has encountered high operating expenses, limited revenue from broadcasts and ticket sales, delayed payments, and a lack of sponsorship interest.
Navneet called on teams and corporate sponsors to remain committed to the Women’s HIL during this time of progress for Indian women’s hockey.
“We have heard that a few teams are pulling out of the Women’s HIL, but at a time when our performance graph is going up, we want to request them to support us. It will be a big setback for women’s hockey and the future crop of players,”
she stated.
Navneet also urged the Sports Ministry, Hockey India, and the corporate sector to provide support for the league, advocating for the need for greater exposure for women’s hockey.
