New Delhi, Dec 17 (NationPress) In a significant step to broaden hockey's appeal, Hockey India has declared that all tickets for the forthcoming Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 will be available at no cost for fans attending matches in Ranchi and Rourkela.

This initiative is part of Hockey India’s vision to bring the sport to every corner of the nation and enhance accessibility for its dedicated supporters. By eliminating revenue from ticket sales, Hockey India aims to forge a stronger bond between the sport and its ardent fans, inviting more individuals to witness the excitement of live hockey.

The chairperson of the Hockey India League (HIL) governing committee, Dilip Tirkey, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This is a historic moment for hockey in India. By offering free tickets, we are ensuring that everyone, regardless of financial status, has the opportunity to experience live hockey at its best. Our goal is to bring the sport closer to the fans and inspire a new generation of players and supporters. Ranchi and Rourkela are cities with a rich hockey heritage, and we want to fill the stadiums with their energy and passion.”

Hockey India League (HIL) governing committee member Bhola Nath Singh shared similar views, saying, “Our fans are at the heart of everything we do. This initiative to offer free tickets is our way of showing appreciation for their unwavering support. We want to ensure that every seat in Ranchi and Rourkela is filled with fans cheering on their favourite teams.”

He further remarked, “The Hockey India League is more than just a tournament—it is a celebration of the sport, one can call it – HockeyKaJashn. By making it free for all, we are reinforcing our commitment to making hockey the people’s game, and we hope this initiative will create lifelong memories for the fans who come to watch.”

This year’s Hockey India League will feature an impressive lineup of eight men’s teams and four women’s teams, both leagues providing fast-paced, exhilarating matches through their newly revamped formats. The men’s league will commence on December 28 in Rourkela at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, with the grand finale scheduled for February 1, 2025.

Meanwhile, the women’s league will kick off on January 12, 2025 in Ranchi’s Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium, with the final set for January 26, promising thrilling competition from start to finish. Additionally, to expand the league’s reach, select men’s and women’s matches will be held at alternate venues, bringing the unique excitement of the Hero HIL to different regions.

Importantly, free tickets are now available on Ticketgenie’s web portal (https://ticketgenie.in/Event/hero-hockey-india-league-2024-25) and app, ensuring that the exhilaration of world-class hockey is accessible to all.