FIH Hockey World League

A Spirited India broke their 33 year old medal jinx in a major International tournament as they came back from two goals down to stun defending champions Netherlands in the shootout after both the teams were tied at 5-5 at regulation time in a thrilling bronze medal play-off match of the Hockey World League Final in Raipur.

India last won a medal in an International tournament way back in 1982 when they beat Pakistan 5-4 in the Champions trophy in Amsterdam. In the shootout, the Indians prevailed over the Dutch 3-2 at the Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Stadium and win avenged India’s 1-3 defeat against the Netherland in the pool stages in the tournament here. After starting the match on a slow note, India produced a fine show in the last two quarters to beat the world number two side with their relentless attacks in the second half.

Netherlands were quick to take a 2-0 lead in the first half. It was high intensity match which produced as many as six goals in the last 10 minutes, three each to India and Netherlands. The Indians got their acts together after the change of ends and Ramandeep Singh scored from a field strike before Rupinder Pal Singh converted a penalty corner in the 47^th minute to level the scores.

It was raining goals as India took the lead in the next minute when Akshdeep Singh found the back of the Dutch net to give India 5-3 lead. But the Dutchmen did not sit back and fought back valiantly to score two goals in the last two minutes to take the match into shoot-out. Final match was won by Australia beating Belgium by 2-1 in Raipur.

Hockey India League 2015

The first sport tournament of India has started. Hockey League India is a professional league for field hockey competition in India. It is organized by Hockey India. The tournament is contested between six franchises consisting players from India and around the world. The first season of Hockey India League was kicked off in 2013 with five franchises, which was won by Ranchi Rhinos. In 2014, Kalinga Lancers was sixth franchise. Delhi Waveriders won 2014 season.

The third season of HIL (Hockey India League) will run from 22 January 2015 with the final on 22 February 2015 among six teams. The plan is to have 8 teams by 2016 and 10 teams by 2018, with a possibility of having a team from south India. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has sanctioned the event and also provides a 30-day window at the beginning of a year so that all top players can participate. Two-wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp currently sponsors it.

This season will see the debut of two new franchises. Ranchi Rays will replace Ranchi Rhinos and Dabang Mumbai will replace Mumbai Magicians. The idea behind the tournament was to promote Hockey in India and generate more players for the National Team. Players get an opportunity to play with other countries players and get a good exposure of teaming up with them. This helps them in building their skills. Each HIL Franchise has 24 players, which include 10 foreign players and 14 Indian players. The players are always acquired in an Auction.

Indian Mid-fielder Sardar Singh and Australian Jamie Dwyer were named as brand ambassadors of the Hockey India League. Three-time FIH world player of the Year Teun de Nooijer was signed as HIL third brand ambassador. The tournament is broadcasted worldwide and Hero is the ambassador since 2013. By HIL, Hockey is again tightening its grip in India. This not only will improve Indian hockey team players skills but will also encourage more players to inclined towards Hockey.