India’s national broadcaster, Doordarshan (DD), has been announced as the official broadcast partner for the upcoming Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25, beginning on December 28, 2024. This historic season marks the debut of the Women’s Hockey India League, running parallel to the men’s competition, showcasing a significant stride toward promoting gender equality in sports, IANS reported.
The HIL will feature eight men’s teams and four women’s teams, competing in Rourkela and Ranchi. Doordarshan, with its unparalleled reach, aims to make hockey a household celebration by bringing live action to millions across India. The matches will also be available on Waves, Prasar Bharati’s recently launched OTT platform.
Navneet Sehgal, Chairman of Prasar Bharati, emphasized the initiative’s alignment with India’s vision of popularizing its national sport. “Through our coverage, we aim to bridge the urban-rural divide, amplifying the league’s impact and celebrating the debut of the Women’s HIL,” he stated.
Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati, highlighted the broadcaster’s role in reviving Indian hockey’s golden era. He affirmed the commitment to elevate hockey broadcasts to global standards, ensuring widespread accessibility.
Dr. Dilip Tirkey, Chairperson of the HIL Governing Committee, hailed the inclusion of the Women’s League as a landmark step. “Doordarshan’s reach aligns perfectly with our vision to inspire millions and take hockey to every corner of the nation,” he said.
Bhola Nath Singh, a governing committee member, added, “The Women’s HIL represents a giant leap in recognizing and empowering women athletes. Hockey connects us, and this partnership reinforces that bond.”
Beyond the HIL, Doordarshan’s partnership extends to telecasting Hockey India National Championships across all categories, ensuring hockey events across the country are accessible to fans.
This collaboration not only promises a thrilling hockey season but also serves as a significant step in positioning hockey as a unifying symbol of national pride.