Doordarshan (DD), India's national broadcaster, has teamed up with the Hockey India League (HIL) to bring the thrilling action of the 2024-25 season to millions of viewers across the country.
This collaboration aims to ensure that fans from all corners of India can experience the excitement of the tournament, with the matches being broadcast live on Doordarshan's platforms.
The 2024-25 season of HIL is set to begin on December 28, marking a historic moment in the tournament's history. This year’s edition will feature not only the men’s competition but also the inaugural season of the Women’s Hockey India League.
This dual tournament will see eight men’s teams and four women’s teams compete in thrilling matches across Rourkela and Ranchi. The event promises to showcase some of the best hockey talent, both from India and around the world, further enhancing the global appeal of the sport.
The inclusion of the women’s league highlights Hockey India’s ongoing efforts to promote gender inclusivity in sports. By launching a dedicated women’s tournament, the organisation aims to offer a prestigious platform for women athletes, empowering them and increasing the visibility of women’s hockey on a national stage. This is a significant step towards creating equal opportunities and recognition for female players.
Navneet Sehgal, the Chairman of Prasar Bharati, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “Prasar Bharati is privileged to partner with the Hockey India League, a platform that celebrates our national sports and unites people across different segments.
Through our comprehensive coverage, we aim to bring the electrifying spirit of hockey, including the historic debut of the Women HIL, to viewers everywhere. Our goal is to bridge the urban-rural divide and amplify the league’s impact.”
Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati, also highlighted the growing optimism surrounding Indian hockey. “With back-to-back medals in the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, Indian sports fans are confident that the golden era of Indian hockey is being revived.
Doordarshan, as the public broadcaster, is eager to contribute to this vision through our partnership. Our focus is on elevating the quality of hockey production and broadcast to meet global sporting standards.
Now, fans worldwide can enjoy both the men’s and women’s editions of the Indian Hockey League on DD Sports and Waves, our newly launched OTT platform,” Dwivedi said. He also encouraged fans to stay tuned for the broadcast starting December 28, 2024.
Dr Dilip Tirkey, Chairperson of the Hockey India League Governing Committee, expressed his excitement about the partnership with Doordarshan. “We are thrilled to have Doordarshan as the official broadcaster of the Hockey India League.
This year is especially significant with the launch of the Women’s HIL, a major step in promoting women’s hockey. Doordarshan’s unmatched reach and its commitment to sports perfectly align with our vision of taking hockey to every corner of the country. Together, we hope to inspire millions and elevate the HIL to new heights.”