Indian women’s hockey team (Pic credit: Hockey India)
NEW DELHI: India’s women hockey players have made an emotional appeal to save the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL), insisting that the competition has played a crucial role in building the confidence of a young side that is on the brink of its best-ever World Cup finish since 1974. With 11 World Cup debutants in the squad, India have suffered only one defeat against Olympic champions the Netherlands and held Olympic silver medallists China to a 2-2 draw in their opening match. A goalless draw against Australia ended their hopes of reaching the semifinals, but India will now play for fifth and sixth place — a finish that would still be their best at the World Cup in 52 years. Veteran midfielder Neha, who led Odisha Warriors to the inaugural HIL title in the 2024-25 season, stressed the importance of the league in giving young players access to a higher level of competition.
We have played alongside many veteran players like World Cup top scorer Yibbi Janssen and learnt a lot,” she said. 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. “HIL has given me confidence, which was very useful in this tournament. It is about handling pressure.
Challenges Facing the Women’s Hockey League
The Women’s Hockey League (HIL) is currently facing significant financial challenges, with high operating costs and low revenue from broadcasts and ticket sales. Franchise sources indicate that the league is not commercially viable, with estimated costs for running both men’s and women’s teams ranging from Rs 10-12 crore. This includes an administrative fee of about Rs 1 crore. Notably, the franchise fee for women’s teams has been waived for the third season, reducing the previous fee of Rs 2.5 crore.
Despite these difficulties, players like Navneet, who was named player of the tournament last season with the Delhi team, remain optimistic about the league’s future. “Our league does not require that much money. It is not about money, we need exposure. Women’s Hockey League should survive. We will do even better in the future,” he stated.
The ongoing issues include delayed player payments and limited sponsorship interest, which have compounded the league’s financial struggles.