Sports Ministry looks to IPL owners to bolster HIL, other leagues

Barely two years after its much-hyped relaunch, the HIL is battling for survival on several fronts. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Even as rumours of a Hockey India Executive Board meeting sans president Dilip Tirkey on Friday made the rounds, sparking questions over its legality and conspiracy theories, the Sports Ministry is known to have made it clear that it would tolerate no violations while ensuring that the federation and the beleaguered Hockey India League (HIL) continued without a hitch.

Sources in the know revealed that the Ministry was looking at existing Indian Premier League owners and franchises to get involved in the HIL as well, to ensure its sustainability and success. The recent good performance of the Indian women’s hockey team, with a large part of the credit going to the WHIL, has also impressed the Ministry enough for it to get involved if necessary.

Interestingly, JSW, co-owner of Delhi Capitals in the IPL, already own both men’s and women’s teams in the HIL, making it clear that the idea was not as far-fetched as it might seem. The Ministry, in fact, is keen on IPL owners getting involved in other leagues as well, including the Pro Kabaddi League and the Prime Volleyball League, among others.

“We are also aware of the potential for a sport and refuse to believe anyone who says hockey is a loss-making proposition. It might reflect on their shortcomings, not the sport’s.

“The IPL owners have been positive in their responses. The HIL will happen and will continue,” ministry sources declared. Asked about the recent administrative tussles within the federation, officials simply said, “everything will be sorted. Neither HIL nor HI is going anywhere.”