Team Gonasika all set for HIL opener against Delhi SG Pipers Photo: X/ @Nilamxess20 Team Gonasika all set for HIL opener against Delhi SG Pipers Photo: X/ @Nilamxess20 The Hockey India League (HIL) returns after a seven-year hiatus, with the 2024/25 men’s tournament kicking off on Saturday. Team Gonasika will take on the Delhi SG Pipers in the opener at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela. (Live Blog | More Hockey News)
The HIL is making its grand return after seven years, now featuring eight men’s teams battling it out. The much-awaited opening match of the Hockey India League (HIL) will be preceded by an exciting opening ceremony.
The Delhi franchise, co-captained by Olympic medallist Shamsher Singh and Australia’s Jake Whetton, boasts a formidable squad.
After a successful pre-tournament camp in Bhubaneswar, the team will be full of confidence as they head into the competition, ready to make their mark.
On the other hand, Gonasika also got some big names in their squad, including India international and two-time Olympic medallist Manpreet Singh, as well as the seasoned Birendra Lakra, who has retired but still brings plenty of experience.
While the team will feel the absence of Belgian forward Tom Boon, who pulled out of the tournament, they've made a strong move by signing the talented French forward Timothee Clement as his replacement.
lucia bet slotCheck the full guide for the Hockey India League 2024-25 HERE.
Team Gonasika Vs Delhi SG Pipers: SquadsTeam Gonasika:
Defenders: Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Amir Ali, Birendra Lakra, Yogember Rawat, Timothy Howard (Australia), Dipsan Tirkey, Anmol Ekka
Midfielders: Manpreet Singh, Vishnukant Singh, Lee Morton (Great Britain), Jack Waller (Great Britain), Jacob Draper (Wales), Clement Timothee (France), Yashdeep Siwach, SK Uthappa
Forwards: Mandeep Singh, Walker Struan (Great Britain), Araijeet Singh Hundal, Charlet Victor (France), SV Sunil, Nikkin Thimmaiah
Goalkeepers: Oliver Payne (Great Britain), Suraj Karkera, Kamalbir Singh
Delhi SG Pipers:
Defenders: Jarmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar, Rohit, Pau Clapes (Spain), Joginder Singh, Corey Weyer (Australia), Gareth Furlong (Great Britain)
Midfielders: Shamsher Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Willott KY (Australia), Ankit Pal, Lucas Toscani (Argentina), Jake Whetton (Australia), Manjeet, Thokchom Kingson Singh
"This series is not just about the two teams playing; it's about reviving the spirit of hockey in Delhi. We hope this will inspire more young players from the region to take up the game," Harmanpreet stated in a press release issued by Hockey India.
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey expressed his enthusiasm and stated: "This bilateral series against Germany will be a remarkable showcase of world-class hockey. Both India and Germany have a rich history in the sport, and this series will give fans an opportunity to witness an intense competition between two of the most formidable teams in the world.
Forwards: Tomas Domene (Argentina), Koji Yamasaki (Japan), Dilraj Singh, Aditya Lalage, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha, Sumit Kumar, Iktidar Ishrat
Goalkeepers: Benjamin Rennie (Australia), Pawan, Adarsh G
Team Gonasika Vs Delhi SG Pipers, Hockey India League 2024-25: Live StreamingWhen to watch Team Gonasika Vs Delhi SG Pipers, Hockey India League 2024-25 opener?
The Hockey India League 2024-25 opener will be played between Team Gonasika and Delhi SG Pipers will be played on Saturday, December 28 at at 8:15 pm IST.
Where to watch Team Gonasika Vs Delhi SG Pipers, Hockey India League 2024-25 opener?
The men's Hockey India League 2024/25 opener between Team Gonasika and Delhi SG Pipers will be live telecast on the Sony Sports Network (Sony Sports 1, Sony Sports 3, Sony Sports 4). It will also be broadcast by Doordarshan.
SonyLIV and WAVES platforms will stream the match live. Additionallycgebet, stay tuned to the Outlook website for the latest updates on the fixture.