Dilip Tirkey (ANI Photo)
Hockey India League’s Future in Focus as Dilip Tirkey Engages Key Stakeholders
KOLKATA: Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey is actively working to secure the future of the Hockey India League amid ongoing uncertainty about its continuation. In recent weeks, Tirkey has conducted meetings with various influential figures, including Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Union sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya, and JSW Sports’ Parth Jindal, among others.
Additionally, he has engaged with stakeholders such as UP BJP vice-president Neeraj Singh, APL Pipers chairman Sanjay Gupta, CEO Mahesh Bhupathi, and Hyderabad Toofans owner Alok Sanghi.
Tirkey emphasized the importance of these discussions, stating, “We are leaving no stone unturned in these conversations, because the survival of this league matters far beyond just one season.”
Savita Punia’s Appeal Highlights Women’s HIL’s Impact on Indian Hockey
Following the Indian women’s hockey team’s historic fifth-place finish at the World Cup—its best result in 52 years—captain Savita Punia has called for the continuation of the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL).
Dilip Tirkey, president of Hockey India and a former captain with 412 international matches to his name, emphasized the transformative effect the inaugural men’s HIL had on the sport. He noted, ‘As a player myself, I have seen first-hand how the first edition of HIL transformed men’s hockey in this country, taking it to a different level altogether.’
Tirkey believes that the Women’s HIL has similarly demonstrated its value in a short time, providing a high-level domestic platform for players and aiding the national team’s growth. ‘This time around, the Women’s HIL has already proven its worth in a short span—it played its part in helping our women’s team break into the world’s top five,’ he stated.
As discussions about the league’s future intensify, Tirkey highlighted its significance for the development of future Indian players. ‘I know, as someone who has lived this game, exactly how important this league is for the next generation of players coming through the system,’ he remarked.
While Tirkey refrained from guaranteeing a specific outcome regarding the league’s future, he assured that Hockey India is exploring all possible avenues to secure its continuation. ‘I cannot promise an outcome, but I can promise that we will try everything within our power, and reach out to everyone who can help, to give this league the future it deserves,’ he added.