He told this daily during an interview last year that one of them was to revive the Hockey India League (HIL) that helped Indian players improve substantially while playing against top players across the world, while the other was to develop hockey in the grassroots. Finally, the franchises and dates have been announced and players have been drafted into eight teams through auction.
With about three weeks left for the HIL to begin, the league has been facing some teething issues. One such is the revenue model and foreign players leaving because of the low bid. Another was to find a long-term or title sponsor. HI president Tirkey, in a chat with this daily, elucidated plans for generating revenue and also revealed that in a short while they are going to announce a title sponsor. He admitted that some foreign players have left franchises after the auction but HI is trying to find the right solution. Tirkey also spoke sustainability of the tournament, the future and more. Excerpts...
The league had helped Indian players improve, seven years later, do you think HIL will have the same impact?
What do young players need to develop? They need exposure to world-class players, tactics, coaching and fitness standards. This is exactly what the Hockey India League will provide and will help nurture local talent of international quality. As a result of HIL, I can clearly see India dominating world hockey in years to come.
This story is from the December 08, 2024 edition of The New Indian Express Kochi.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 08, 2024 edition of The New Indian Express Kochi.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
KALEIDOSCOPIC REFLECTIONS OF BEAUTY, BANTER AND WOMANHOOD
The unassuming opening of Victoria puts us directly inside a bus that chugs along a routine route, carrying the titular Victoria (Meenakshi Jayan) and an old woman clutching a rooster, of all things.
Christopher Nolan's next titled The Odyssey
ACCLAIMED director Christopher Nolan is set to adapt Homer's ancient Greek epic poem The Odyssey into a feature film.
My favourite books of the year
2024 was a fantastic bookish year for me. I completed two bucket list items: speaking at the Jaipur Literature Festival in January and opening an antiquarian bookstore in Bengaluru in November.
Deol's ton helps India seal series
HARLEEN DEOL'S maiden hundred set the foundation and India sealed the ODI series with a 115-run win over the West Indies.
Cranbrook to MCG, the rise and rise of teenager Konstas
ON the eve of New South Wales' first Sheffield Shield match of the season - against South Australia at Cricket Central in Sydney - Sam Konstas was sitting with his batting coach Tahmid Islam for dinner.
Shooting mental sport, don't know when award snub will affect Manu: Jaspal
DOUBLE Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker finally broke her silence on her exclusion from Khel Ratna list.
Timely lift for Haryana shuttler
DEVIKA SIHAG is stoked at the moment. She had a valid reason to be.
India to play matches in Dubai, Pak tie on Feb 23
FINALLY, the International Cricket Council on Tuesday announced the much-awaited schedule of the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Excited with pack of pacers in SA20
WITH the third edition of the SA20 coming soon, the Ambassador of the franchise league and former South African fast bowler Allan Donald believes the new crop of pace bowlers coming from his home country are the ones to watch out for.
HFCL defence equipment mfg unit in Hosur
HFCL Limited, a leading telecom equipment maker, on Tuesday inaugurated a state-of-the-art defence equipment manufacturing facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu.
