Whose court is the ball in? Confusion around HIL-revival talks between Hockey India and FIH | Hockey News

CHENNAI: In early July, the news of Hockey India League‘s (HIL) revival was welcomed by the sport’s fraternity across the globe. But there was an air of confusion following a joint press conference by International Hockey Federation (FIH) president Tayyab Ikram and Hockey India (HI) secretary general Bholanath Singh on the sidelines of the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy here on Wednesday.

In early July this year, PTI had quoted Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey as saying that HI is “waiting for official communication from the FIH” on providing a window for the HIL “sometime in December next year or January 2025”.
However, FIH chief Ikram said on Wednesday that “it (revival of HIL) will be done on a priority basis once we get a clear window request”, while answering a question on the subject, adding that “we have only had informal discussions so far, but it will be done without any delay.”

“The most important aspect of HIL is to provide a professional environment for the athletes, which matches very well with my agenda,” the FIH president said.
In further contrast to HI president Tirkey’s comment that they are “waiting for an official communication from the FIH” for an HIL window, the federation’s secretary general Bhola Nath said, “The official talks would begin soon and you will get to know about it.”
“We have been assured of HIL’s revival by FIH, and we are working on it. FIH is completely ready to support us in reviving HIL,” Singh added.
The HIL hasn’t seen the light of day since its last edition in 2017, after completing five seasons from 2013 onwards.