Ranchi, Jan 11 (NationPress) The wait is finally over as the inaugural Women's Hockey India League is about to commence at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Hockey Stadium, renowned for hosting elite global competitions including the FIH Olympic Qualifiers and the Women's Asian Champions Trophy.
Ranchi is adorned for the celebration of 'Hockey ka Jashn', with fans expected to fill the stands to witness their favorite athletes compete live. All four teams are eager to kick off the first match of the inaugural HIL, which is set for Sunday between Delhi SG Pipers and Odisha Warriors.
Expressing her enthusiasm for participating in this landmark league, Navneet Kaur, captain of Delhi SG Pipers, shared, “We are thrilled that the Women’s HIL is finally commencing and we (Delhi SG Pipers) will be playing the first match. The entire team is looking forward to an exciting game tomorrow.”
She continued, “In comparison to other teams, I believe we are quite a young squad, and there will be numerous lessons learned as the league progresses. We have prepared thoroughly and will approach each match with determination.”
On the eve of the league, Neha Goyal, captain of the Odisha Warriors, emphasized the league's financial advantages.
“HIL provides significant financial stability for players, especially those yet to be selected for the Indian team. This league will undoubtedly motivate more young athletes to view hockey as a viable career and help them achieve their aspirations,” she stated.
Udita, captain of Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, expressed her support for the league, stating it serves as an excellent platform for emerging players.
“It is an exceptional platform. We have the opportunity to play alongside some of the world's top players. In the past, we used to compete against them, but now we can observe their preparations, understand their mindset, and form friendships. We are learning a great deal from everyone involved in the team. This is a remarkable chance for the next generation of players to display their skills and aim for a spot on the national team,” she added.
Salima Tete, Jharkhand's homegrown talent and current captain of the Indian women's hockey team, urged local hockey enthusiasts to attend and enjoy the thrilling matches while supporting their favorite players.
As co-captain of the Soorma Hockey Club alongside Savita, she mentioned, “Our goal is to inspire more youth to engage in the sport by presenting the best hockey on the field during the HIL.”
“The introduction of HIL for women is one of Hockey India's finest initiatives, generating substantial interest in the sport. There is palpable excitement in Jharkhand to attend the matches. I eagerly anticipate a successful league and we will strive to perform our best. I encourage all hockey fans in the state to come and support us,” she asserted.
Supporting Salima's sentiments, Savita, co-captain of the Soorma Hockey Club, remarked, “Given the men's team's success over the last decade, we have witnessed how influential HIL can be for us. We are grateful to Hockey India for launching the women's HIL. The chance to share a locker room and dining area with top players allows us to exchange ideas and insights about the sport. This has significantly advanced men's hockey, and I believe it will equally affect the women's team positively.”
During the opening ceremony on Sunday, performers from Jharkhand will present cultural performances showcasing their folklore and heritage, with Kalpana Soren, a member of the Legislative Assembly of Jharkhand, gracing the event alongside the Chief Minister's wife, Hemant Soren.
