HIL second edition to start from Jan 23

Hockey India Friday announced the dates for the 2014 Hero Hockey India League (HIL). The second edition of the hockey league will be played from Jan 23, 2014, with the final sated for Feb 23.

The first edition of the HIL saw more than 41 million fans in India watching the tournament and its reach was ahead of the UEFA Euro 2012. The inaugural season was telecast in 146 countries across the globe.

The 2013 season was won by the Ranchi Rhinos in front of a packed stadium in Ranchi.

The six franchise based teams will feature in the second edition of the league to make the battle more fiery. With the inclusion of one new team in the 2014 season, the HIL promises to add a lot of energy, cut-throat competition and an exciting opportunity for the upcoming talent to leave their mark in this tournament.

Star Sports, broadcast partner of the HIL, will telecast live all the matches.

"We are pleased to announce the dates for Hero Hockey India League 2014. After the enormous success in the inaugural season, we are expecting more spectacular hockey for the fans during next season. We hope that the second season will see the toughest battles among the six teams," Narinder Batra, Chairman HIL said.