Following a sensational debut season, the Hero Hockey India League (HHIL) has been enjoying a well-earned rest in recent months. However, the ground-breaking has burst back into life as the organisers begin preparing for the start of the second season early in 2014.
The first edition of the HHIL – which took place in January and February of this year – was a massive success, with five franchise-based teams containing some of the greatest hockey players on the planet battling it out over four weeks in a bid to become the first ever winners of the event.
Superstars including five times FIH Player of the Year Jamie Dwyer, three time winner Teun de Nooijer and current title holder Moritz Fürste were just a few of the many world class individuals on show, with Fürste’s Ranchi Rhinos taking the title ahead of the Delhi Waveriders, a team captained by India superstar and talisman Sardar Singh.
HHIL has already confirmed that the number of teams competing in the 2014 Edition of the tournament will increase from five to six, with the event taking place between 23rd January and 23rd February next year. 59 overseas players and 95 Indian players have signed up for the HHIL player auction, which is scheduled for 18th November in New Delhi.
Some truly outstanding international players have made themselves available, including legendary Korea striker Seo Jong Ho Seo, ace England & Great Britain forward Barry Middleton, Germany’s Olympic Gold medallist Oliver Korn and dazzling New Zealand midfielder Ryan Archibald.
The most recent news to emerge from the League is that Sweden’s Bjorn Isberg has been named as the Tournament Director. Isberg is hugely experienced, having overseen various World Level events including the men’s tournament at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The inaugural season was watched by 41 million fans in India and broadcast in 146 countries around the world, while more than half a million fans ‘liked’ the official Facebook page.
The second season looks more than capable of surpassing those incredible achievements. We cannot wait for the tournament to get started.
More information about these stories and all of the build-up to the 2014 Edition can be found on the HHIL’s official website by clicking here.
