Hockey India League : Hockey India has taken a big step to increase people's love for hockey. Tickets for all the matches of the upcoming Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 will be free in Ranchi and Rourkela. This move is part of Hockey India's vision to take hockey to every corner of the country and bring the sport closer to its fans. Apart from the revenue from tickets, Hockey India wants more and more people to feel the thrill of live hockey.

Dilip Tirkey, Chairman of the HIL Governing Committee, called it a historic move. He said, “With free tickets, we are giving people from all walks of life the opportunity to enjoy hockey live. Our aim is to bring this game closer to the people and inspire the new generation. It is our dream to fill the stadiums with the energy and enthusiasm of the spectators in cities like Ranchi and Rourkela, which have a deep hockey heritage.”

Governing Committee member Bhola Nath Singh echoed the same sentiment. He said, "Our fans are the most special to us. These free tickets are a thank you from our side for their support. We want every seat to be filled with spectators and they should cheer for their favourite teams."

He further said, “Hockey India League is not just a tournament but a celebration of hockey. By making it free, we are showing that hockey is a game for the masses. Hopefully this step will give memorable moments to the fans.”

This year's HIL will feature 8 men's and 4 women's teams. The format of the league will be new and exciting. The men's league will begin on December 28 at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela and the final will be played on February 1, 2025. The women's league will begin from January 12, 2025 at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium in Ranchi with the final on January 26. Apart from this, some matches will also be played at other venues to make the league reach more regions.