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Tag: Hockey India League

  • Hockey’s hot comeback: Hero HIL scores big with Indian viewers

    Hockey’s hot comeback: Hero HIL scores big with Indian viewers

    MUMBAI: The Hero Hockey India League (HIL) has roared back to life after a seven-year hiatus, smashing viewership records and breathing fresh life into the sport. The 2024-25 edition didn’t merely return—it revolutionised the game by introducing the first-ever women’s league alongside the men’s competition, coinciding rather neatly with Indian hockey’s centenary celebrations.

    The numbers tell a cracking tale: a whopping 40.8 million viewers tuned in overall, rocketing 48 per cent above the 2017 figures. The men’s competition captivated 32.9 million fans, while the women’s matches—despite featuring fewer games—pulled in an impressive 15.1 million viewers.

    In a sporting landscape where women’s events typically draw a fraction of male viewership, the HIL has pulled off something of a miracle. At times, the ladies nearly matched their male counterparts in audience figures, with the most-watched women’s match drawing 2.92 million viewers against the men’s final peak of 3.07 million.

    Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey remarked, “The success of Hero HIL 2024–25 is a testament to India’s deep-rooted love for hockey. The overwhelming response from fans, brands, and broadcasters reflects the league’s immense potential. As we move forward, our commitment remains steadfast in elevating Indian hockey to new heights, ensuring that the sport gets the recognition and support it truly deserves.”
     
    The digital realm proved equally fruitful, with social media engagement hitting the roof—over a billion views across platforms, turning hockey chat into the hottest ticket in town.

    Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh stated, “The revival of Hero HIL has been a monumental success, not only in terms of numbers but also in the enthusiasm it has reignited among fans and players alike. This season has proven that hockey continues to hold a special place in India’s sporting culture. The addition of the women’s league is a crucial step towards greater inclusivity and empowerment in sports.”

    The triumphant return builds on hockey’s Olympic momentum, where it accounted for a juicy 15.2 per cent of early Tokyo Games viewership. With these stellar numbers, it seems the stick-and-ball game isn’t just back—it’s positively sizzling.

  • Sony Sports to go regional with Hockey India League telecast deal

    Sony Sports to go regional with Hockey India League telecast deal

    MUMBAI: The Hockey India League (HIL) has got an additional live telecast partner for the next three years  – the Sony Sports Network (SSN). The league has signed a contract with the broadcast network.  Mid-last week, DD had announced that it was coming on board for the whole tournament’s telecast. 

    What’s special about the SSN deal is that it will be airing the matches with Telugu and Tamil commentary as well as Hindi and English in a bid to broad base the appeal of the sport. The tournament can be viewed on Sony Sports Ten 1 (English), Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi), and Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil and Telugu) channels in both standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD). The league, featuring domestic and international players, is to take place in Ranchi and Rourkela for both  men and women and will be flagged off on 28 December. 

    Said Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer & head sports business Rajesh Kaul : “Hockey has gained significant popularity in India with the Indian team’s success in consecutive Olympics contributing to the resurgence. At SSN, we have always been committed to serving Indian fans with a diverse sports portfolio. The inclusion of one of the world’s premier franchise-based hockey leagues will undoubtedly bring fans closer to the game. We see our partnership with it as a key step toward establishing ourselves as the home of hockey, just as we have done with other major sports in our portfolio.”

    Highlighted  HIL governing committee chairperson Dilip Tirkey: “Sony Sports’ expansive coverage across multiple channels and languages will ensure that fans from all corners of the country can enjoy the league. This season is poised to be bigger, better, bolder, and we are confident that Sony’s unmatched telecast capabilities will help take the excitement of Indian hockey to new heights.”

    Added HIL governing committee member Bhola Nath Singh: “Our focus has always been on promoting hockey to a wider audience, and this partnership with SSN allows us to do just that. With their multilingual telecast plan, we are making the sport accessible to a larger audience, bringing them closer to the game. We believe this season will set a new benchmark in terms of viewership and fan engagement.”

    (Picture courtesy Hockey India League)

  • Big FM hits the airwaves as official radio partner for Hockey India League 2024-25

    Big FM hits the airwaves as official radio partner for Hockey India League 2024-25

    Mumbai: It’s a sound decision. The Hockey India League (HIL) has got into bed with  Big FM for the 2024-25 season as the official radio partner. This partnership seeks to connect hockey with millions of fans and amplify the message of #IndiaKaGame throughout the nation.

    A press release states that the HIL  kicks off on 28 December 2024, featuring an exciting lineup of eight men’s teams and four women’s teams competing in Rourkela and Ranchi. Notably, this season also marks the debut of the Women’s Hockey India League, reinforcing Hockey India’s commitment to inclusivity and the empowerment of women in sports.

    BIG FM COO Sunil Kumaran highlighted that hockey holds a special place in the hearts of millions. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to spreading awareness about the sport’s legacy and significance. Together, we aim to shine a spotlight on hockey’s incredible journey and inspire a deeper appreciation for the sport across the country,” he said.

    HIL governing committee chairperson Dilip Tirkey said, “Radio has a unique ability to connect with people in the remotest corners of the country, making it the perfect medium to promote hockey. With BIG FM’s engaging content and nationwide reach, we aim to make hockey a household conversation. This partnership will spark excitement across India and bring more fans closer to IndiaKaGame. Together, we’re confident of taking the Hockey India League to new heights of popularity.”

    HIL governing committee member Bhola Nath Singh added, “BIG FM’s captivating narrative style and broad reach make it an ideal partner to grow hockey’s fanbase. Through this association, we aim to unite the country in support of IndiaKaGame and inspire millions to cheer for our national sport.”

    With Big FM listeners can stay tuned to every match and cheer for their favourite teams and players.

     

     

    All information about the Hockey India League can also be found on the newly launched website: https://hockeyindialeague.com/

  • DD scoops Hockey India League live telecast rights for next three years

    DD scoops Hockey India League live telecast rights for next three years

    MUMBAI: There’s nothing more exciting that seeing a player with a hockey stick in his hand dribbling past the mid-field, swerving and dodging past the defending backs and reverse flicking the ball into the goal, leaving the goal keeper  stranded and flat on his back on the turf. 

    Many more such moments will be available to field hockey lovers  courtesy pubcaster Doordarshan, It has pocketed the rights to live  telecast the sixth edition of the Hockey India League (HIL), which will begin from 28 December 2024, thanks to an agreement it has signed with Hockey India (HI).( Reports are that the contract between the two is actually for the next three years.) What’s special with the new agreement is that DD will also be bringing the women’s HIL matches live to viewers apart from the fast-paced men’s. tournament.  

    Sports lovers may recall that the Indian national men’s team has been gradually getting back its mojo and won the bronze medal at this year’s Paris Olympics as well as in Tokyo. 

    HIL will have eight men’s teams and four women’s teams participating in Rourkela and Ranchi, showcasing outstanding talent from India and around the world.

    Said Prasar Bharati chairman Navneet Sehgal: “We are privileged to partner with the HIL, a platform that celebrates our national sports and aligns people across different categories. Through our comprehensive coverage, we aim to bring the electrifying spirit of hockey, including the historic debut of Women HIL, to viewers everywhere, bridging the urban and rural divide and amplifying the league’s impact.”

    Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi added: “Indian sports lovers are confident that the golden era of Indian hockey is being brought back. Doordarshan as the public broadcaster is looking forward to contributing to this broader vision through this partnership. The idea is to elevate hockey production and broadcast to global sporting standards. The sports lovers across the world can now watch the HIL, both men and women on DD Sports and Waves- the recently launched OTT platform of Prasar Bharati.”

    HIL  governing committee chairperson Dilip Tirkey said, “We are thrilled to partner with Doordarshan as the official broadcaster of the HIL. This year is particularly special with the launch of the Women’s HIL, a landmark step in promoting women’s hockey. Doordarshan’s unparalleled reach and commitment to sports perfectly align with our vision of taking hockey to every corner of the nation. Together, we aim to inspire millions and elevate the HIL to unprecedented heights.”

    HIL governing committee member Bhola Nath Singh commented, “Hockey is more than just a sport for us – it’s a symbol of our unity and pride. The addition of the Women’s HIL this season is a giant leap forward in ensuring equality and recognition for women athletes. With Doordarshan as our partner, we’re ready to present a spectacular season of HIL. ‘Hockey connects us, and this partnership strengthens that bond’.”

    As part of its partnership with HI,  Doordarshan says it will also broadcast all HI  national championships and tournaments in India.

    (Picture courtesy Hockey India League)

     

  • Hockey India League launches campaign ‘Hockey Ka Jashn’

    Hockey India League launches campaign ‘Hockey Ka Jashn’

    New Delhi: With just a month remaining for the Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25, the league has unveiled an exciting campaign titled “Hockey Ka Jashn.” This special initiative will feature a nationwide Jashn Tour, where players will travel across the country to bring the passion and spirit of hockey closer to fans.

    Marking the 30-day countdown, the Jashn Tour is at the heart of a larger campaign dedicated to celebrating India Ka Asli Game—hockey—and strengthening the bond between the sport and its fans.

    Scheduled to begin on 28 December in Rourkela, this season of HIL promises to be a spectacular showcase of the finest hockey talent from across the globe. The campaign, Hockey Ka Jashn, meaning “Celebration of Hockey,” aims to unite fans, players, and communities in a grand celebration of the sport, showcasing the thrill and passion that hockey brings to millions around the world.

    The Hockey India League, which is returning after a seven-year hiatus, has attracted the best players, both from India and internationally, making it a premier tournament in the global hockey calendar. With this campaign, Hockey India looks to create even greater excitement among fans as they prepare to cheer for their favourite franchises and stars in this prestigious event.

    Speaking on the special occasion, Hockey India League (HIL) governing committee chairperson Dr Dilip Tirkey said, “We are thrilled to launch ‘Hockey Ka Jashn’ in the lead-up to the Hockey India League 2024-25. This campaign perfectly captures the essence of the league, where we celebrate not only the game but also the unifying spirit it brings. With world-class players coming together and fans from all walks of life gearing up to cheer for their favourite teams and players, the league is a true reflection of India’s passion for hockey. I am confident that ‘Hockey Ka Jashn’ will resonate deeply with the hockey community and elevate the excitement to new heights.”

    Hockey India League (HIL) governing committee member Bhola Nath Singh added, “The Hockey India League has always been about more than just matches; it’s about bringing people together to celebrate the sport we love. ‘Hockey Ka Jashn’ is our way of inviting every fan to join this celebration. We are committed to making this year’s league bigger, better, bolder, and more exciting than ever, and we look forward to creating an unforgettable experience for players and spectators alike. I urge fans across the country to get behind their teams and make this a true festival of hockey.”

  • Ultimate Kho Kho on-boards Odisha govt to own fifth franchise

    Ultimate Kho Kho on-boards Odisha govt to own fifth franchise

    Mumbai: The Odisha government has acquired ownership of a team in the soon-to-be-launched professional league, which can be viewed as a major boost for the Ultimate Kho Kho (UKK).

    It will be the Odisha government’s second direct sports endeavour; in 2013, it also owned a team—the Kalinga Lancers—in the Hockey India League. Days before the announcement, Odisha earned silver medals in the boys’ and girls’ Kho Kho competitions in the Khelo India Youth Games 2022.

    The Odisha Sports Development and Promotion Company (OSDPC)-owned team will be the fifth franchise in the league. OSDPC is collaborating with leading steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) and will be working closely in Ultimate Kho Kho.

    Sports and Youth Services minister Tusharkanti Behera said, “Kho Kho is very popular in many parts of Odisha. In the recent Khelo India Youth Games, our boys and girls played well and won the silver medals. Since it’s a traditional game, we have huge scope to develop it further in the state. Therefore, we have decided to participate in the Kho Kho league. This is part of our Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik’s vision for sports in Odisha.”

    Ultimate Kho Kho CEO Tenzing Niyogi said, “Sports Odisha has been one of the key factors in the sporting revolution of India. Their focussed approach in developing a sport has been impressive. They have created an environment that has encouraged many corporate investments to create access for grassroots development and future champions. And now their association with Ultimate Kho Kho, is a great sign for the development of the sport.”

    Four franchises were previously declared by Ultimate Kho Kho. While Capri Global and KLO Sports are the owners of the Rajasthan and Chennai teams, respectively, corporate giants ADANI Group and GMR Group secured the Gujarat and Telangana franchises.

    With an exclusive multi-year contract, Ultimate Kho Kho has chosen Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) as its broadcast partner. The action from the league will be aired in English and other regional languages on Sony’s sports channels as well as on the OTT service SonyLIV.

  • Rise of Indian sports leagues: South India loves Kabbadi

    BENGALURU: Broadcast Audience Research Council of India (BARC), in thelatest edition of its newsletter – THiNKreveals how sports other than cricket have gained popularity amongst television audiences in India. The newsletter has looked at six properties – two major global events in 2016 – RioOlympics and Kabaddi World Cup, inaddition to all Indian origindomestic leagues – Pro KabaddiLeague, Premier Badminton League,Indian Super League (Football), andHockey India League. Using its own data for the periodspanning week 01 to week 52 of 2016: All India; TG: Universe, BARChas attempted to demystify the new entrant on theviewership block – sports propertiesbeyond cricket.

    Only live matches have been considered for analysis by BARC.

    According to BARC,overall non-cricket properties contributeto 20 percent of the Live matches viewership.Within this, approx. 80 percent of theviewership contribution came from the 6 properties mentioned above.Kabbadi, played in two of the properties, was the most popular sport amongst the six properties considered by BARC, and South Indian markets loved kabbadi and sports. Read on…

    Here are some conclusions revealed by the newsletter:

    (1) Pro Kabaddi League is the most popular non-cricket propertywithashare of 61 percent,followedby Indian Super League.

    (2) Indian Super League, with one of the bestImpressions/Reach ratio, has extremely high stickiness amongs itsviewers.Broadcasterscouldtargetadvertisers lookingfor engagement space.

    (3) The popular properties-Pro KabaddiLeague, Kabaddi WorldCup2016 and Indian IndianLeague, haveacontributionshare from Female viewers and lower NCCSviewers.Broadcastercould safely havepopular FMCG brandsin these properties.

    (4) Close to 80 percentof the Pro KabaddiLeagueviewershipfrom the telecaston Movie channels,and this share is increasing.

    (5) Ad sectors targeting Females&Youthcan look at presenceon Pro KabaddiLeague given its relatively higherviewership baseon the property.

    (6) Home matches see aviewership as comparedto theAway Awaymatches in theteam’s Home market. This might help regional advertisers.

    The popularity of Kabbadi

    Though Pro Kabaddi League was clearly the most popular property followed by Indian Super League, it must be noted that this was in part due to the fact that Pro Kabaddi League has had 2 seasons in 2016, Season 3 in January-February 2016 and Season 4 in June-July 2016. All the other properties have had only one season each.

    Please refer to the figure below:

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    Based on the average viewership for each property, Pro Kabaddi League continued tolead. In addition to that, Kabaddi turned out to be the most popular sport with Kabaddi World Cup2016 overtaking Indian Super League for the second highest viewership spot.Conversely, Rio Olympics 2016 saw a drop in position when it comes to average viewership. Hockey India League had the lowest viewership within all these properties.

    Please refer to the figure below:

    public://2222222222222.jpg

    Here are some colcusions drawn by the author based on BARC India data in its newsletter on which markets contributed to viewership:

    Sports, and more so Kabbadi, are loved by audiences from the four Southern markets comprising of 5 states and one union territory- Andhra Pradesh/Telangana Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu/Pondicherry. They contributed to 50 percent of the viewership of the Pro Kabbadi League, with AP/Telangana contributing a lion’s share of 39 percent (the highest by any market in India) followed by Karnataka with 12 percent, Kerala with 5 percent and Tamil Nadu with 1 percent.

    In the case of the Kabbadi World Cup 2016, the viewership share from the south was even higher – 61 percent. AP/Telangana contributed 39 percent (the highest by any market in India)followed by Karnataka with 15 percent, Kerala with 5 percent and Tamil Nadu with 2 percent.

    Comparative data for the Indian Super League – the south contributed 39 percent to its viewership with Kerala contributing the largest viewership in the country– 30 percent followed by Tamil Nadu with 7 percent and Karnataka and AP/Telangana contributing 1 percent each. West Bengal contributed the second most viewership across all markets with 28 percent.

    The South contributed 31 percent to the viewership of the Rio Olympics 2016 and the Premier Badminton League and 30 percent to the viewership of Hockey League India.

     

  • TVS Tyres is co-presenter for Asian Champions Trophy 2016

    TVS Tyres is co-presenter for Asian Champions Trophy 2016

    MUMBAI: Continuing its strong connect with sports, TVS Tyres has associated with Asian Champions Trophy 2016 by becoming the co-presenter. The Asian Champions Trophy is one of the premier hockey tournaments, a much sought after annual international competition promising some great hockey action. This association adds on to the brand’s prestigious list of previous associations with other sporting events like; Indian Premier League, Indian Super League, Pro Kabaddi League, Hockey India League & Cricket All Star Series among others.

    TVS Srichakra director P. Vijayaraghavan said, “Through this partnership, we aim to elevate our brand recall to a much larger audience and feel that it will add value to both our brand as well as business. The association with Asian Champions Trophy aligns the brand with a premier sporting event and a dedicated fan base. Sporting platforms like these augment our strategy to reach out to our customers.”

    Top six Asian teams will be participating in this tournament and it will be a great season of hockey across the continent. Post the launch of new identity, TVS Tyres has associated with many such sporting events and this latest association with Asian Champions Trophy is in line with the brand’s strategy and ongoing engagement with sporting events to enhance brand visibility.

  • TVS Tyres is co-presenter for Asian Champions Trophy 2016

    TVS Tyres is co-presenter for Asian Champions Trophy 2016

    MUMBAI: Continuing its strong connect with sports, TVS Tyres has associated with Asian Champions Trophy 2016 by becoming the co-presenter. The Asian Champions Trophy is one of the premier hockey tournaments, a much sought after annual international competition promising some great hockey action. This association adds on to the brand’s prestigious list of previous associations with other sporting events like; Indian Premier League, Indian Super League, Pro Kabaddi League, Hockey India League & Cricket All Star Series among others.

    TVS Srichakra director P. Vijayaraghavan said, “Through this partnership, we aim to elevate our brand recall to a much larger audience and feel that it will add value to both our brand as well as business. The association with Asian Champions Trophy aligns the brand with a premier sporting event and a dedicated fan base. Sporting platforms like these augment our strategy to reach out to our customers.”

    Top six Asian teams will be participating in this tournament and it will be a great season of hockey across the continent. Post the launch of new identity, TVS Tyres has associated with many such sporting events and this latest association with Asian Champions Trophy is in line with the brand’s strategy and ongoing engagement with sporting events to enhance brand visibility.

  • Star Sports extends broadcasting rights of Indian Hockey for three years

    Star Sports extends broadcasting rights of Indian Hockey for three years

    MUMBAI: That Star India is looking to take sports to another level is now well known. The network, which launched eight sports channels including four HD channels since 2013, is keen on taking India from being a cricket nation to a sports nation.

     

    Star India, which had joined hands with Hockey India to promote the sport in 2012 for an initial period of three years, has now extended the same for another three years. As part of the agreement, the telecast rights of Hockey India League and all other international hockey matches hosted by Hockey India in the country will be with Star Sports from 2016 to 2018 inclusive.

     

    The agreement comes on the heels of Star Sports being the global broadcast partner for the International Hockey Federation for the next eight years, starting from January 2015. With the extension to the agreement, Star Sports will also be the host broadcaster of Hockey India League (in India and globally) and the Hockey India International matches (in India and globally) for the period 2016 – 2018.

     

    Star India CEO Uday Shankar said, “The decision to continue our association with Hockey India is in line with our commitment towards development of a multi sports culture in India. Over the last year, the national team has performed phenomenally well winning medals and accolades across the world, making the country proud. We believe in the potential of hockey as a sport and through our association with Hockey India, will work towards popularising the sport and bring the fans back to Hockey. This association signals our commitment towards this transformation, through world class production of all international matches and the vibrant Hockey India League.”

     

    Hockey India president Narinder Dhruv Batra added, “Star Sports is known for its strong content and production quality, which helps increase viewers experience. They understand the target audience’s pulse and they package the entire show accordingly. They are known for creating a complete experience for each tournament and that’s what makes them stand out. We have seen this in our association with them since the inception of the Hockey India League as well as the International tournaments that they have hosted in the past. Keeping this in mind they are the ideal choice and we are happy that we have mutually agreed to continue this association for the next three years.”