Indian hockey set to start new innings with HIL

The five-team franchise based HIL is being seen as a remedy for Indian hockey, which is slowly trying to regain its footing after a steady decline during the past decade.

The HIL will renew hope of a new dawn in Indian hockey after missing the 2008 Beijing Olympics and finishing rock bottom in London last year.

With a young Indian team led by the enigmatic Sardar Singh showing glimpses of India's past prowess, there are now hopes an upcoming professional league likened to the money-rich IPL will help resurrect the sport's former glory.

Indians were long considered the kings of field hockey -- winning eight Olympic gold medals -- but that dominance has dwindled since the introduction of synthetic turf pitches in the 1970s.

The Hockey India League, which has the sanction of world body FIH and is organised, will be held across five venues from January 14-February 10 featuring five city-based franchise teams -- Delhi Waveriders, Jaypee Punjab Warriors, Uttar Pradesh Wizards, Mumbai Magicians and Ranchi Rhinos.

Unlike riva l World Series Hockey, 120 hockey players - including the best from India and around the world - will be showcasing their stick-work on the turf in the HIL. The league will feature some of the big names of international hockey in Australian captain Jamie Dwyer, Dutchman Tuen de Nooijer, Germany captain Mo ritz Fuerste among others.

Through the HIL, the hockey players got the much-needed financial impetus.

In an auction last month that was held along similar lines to the IPL, India captain Sardar was the costliest player, grabbed by Delhi for USD 78,000. India vice-captain and ace drag-flicker V R Raghunath was bought by Uttar Pradesh for USD 76,000, Australian star Dwyer went to Punjab for USD 60,000, Fuertse was taken by Ranchi for USD 75,500 and Nooijer sold to Uttar Pradesh Wizards for USD 66,000.