Hockey India League: Delhi SG Pipers to take on Gonasika in opener

A new chapter in Indian hockey will begin with the much-awaited restart of the Hockey India League (HIL) as the opening match between Delhi SG Pipers and Gonasika from Vizag takes place on Saturday.

The HIL is returning after a seven-year hiatus, now featuring eight men’s teams. In a notable addition, the women’s league will debut with four teams, which will be played in Ranchi starting January 12.

The Birsa Munda Stadium in Ranchi will host the men’s tournament until the final on February 1, while the women’s teams will compete from January 12 to 26.

The first phase of the men’s league, from December 28 to January 18, will see each team play once. In the second phase, starting January 19, the teams will be divided into two pools: Pool A (Delhi SG Pipers, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, Soorma Hockey Club, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers) and Pool B (Gonasika, Hyderabad Toofans, Tamil Nadu Dragons, UP Rudras). Teams will compete within their pools, and the top four will move on to the semifinals on January 31.

Delhi SG Pipers are eager to start their campaign on a positive note. With Olympic medalist Shamsher Singh and Australia’s Jake Whetton co-captaining the team, Delhi enters with a strong squad and confidence from a successful pre-tournament camp in Bhubaneswar.

“All our players are excited to play against Gonasika and are looking forward to the league’s start. We’ve prepared well over the past two weeks, including bonding sessions,” said Shamsher. “There’s a bit of pressure, but our squad is well-trained and knows the demands of this level, so we’ll aim to do our best. We need to execute the strategy set by our coaches and take each game one at a time. Starting strong is key”.

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Gonasika’s captain, Manpreet Singh, expressed similar enthusiasm. “HIL is returning after seven years, and everyone in the team is excited for the match against Delhi. We have a good understanding among us, with a mix of young players, senior Indians, and foreigners. We’ll look to implement our training in the match and focus on limiting Delhi’s goal-scoring opportunities.”

In the Women’s HIL, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, Delhi SG Pipers, Soorma Hockey Club, and Odisha Warriors will compete at Ranchi’s Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium, with each team facing the others twice. After the pool stage, the top two teams will meet in the final on January 26.

(With inputs from PTI)