- Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) launched in Ranchi, Jharkhand
- Jharkhand MLA Kalpana Soren unveiled the Women’s HIL Trophy
- Odisha Warriors defeat Delhi SG Pipers 4-0 at Inaugural Match
The Women's Hockey India League (HIL) officially launched in Ranchi, India, with a grand opening ceremony at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium on Sunday, January 12, 2025. The event, which included cultural performances and music, marked the league's debut, witnessed by the packed stadium with men, women, and children of all ages.
The Women's HIL trophy was unveiled by Jharkhand MLA Kalpana Soren and Agriculture Minister of the state, Shilpi Neha Tirkey along with the four team captains including, Neha Goyal, Navneet Kaur, Salima Tete, and Udita Duhan. The league features four teams: Delhi SG Pipers, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, Soorma Hockey Club, and Odisha Warriors. The final match is scheduled for January 26, 2025.
Oceania Hockey Federation President Cameron Vale and Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh were present during the ceremony. MLA Kalpana announced the tournament officially following with a keynote address on women's empowerment and congratulated Hockey India for organizing it.
The inaugural Women's Hockey India League (HIL) 2025 began with the Odisha Warriors defeating the Delhi SG Pipers 4-0 in Ranchi. During the first quarter, Yibby Jansen (16 and 37) scored the first goal of the league, winning a penalty corner in the 16th minute by drag-flicking past the goalkeeper. Both teams took their time to get into a rhythm.
The Pipers won their first penalty corner in the 21st minute, but the Warrior's defense dealt with Deepika's drag flick. The Pipers won a third penalty corner in the 26th minute, but the Warriors won their second in the 27th minute. The Warriors scored twice in the third quarter, with Jansen's drag flick into the corner and Baljeet Kaur's goal. The Pipers managed to recover, but the Warriors continued to score, with Freele Moes scoring their fourth goal.
The Warriors maintained their lead in the final quarter, despite being down to 10 players after captain Neha's yellow card. Piper, despite winning a few penalty corners was defeated by the Warriors.
