India, Jan. 11 -- Approximately a decade ago, Sushila Chanu, along with several of her teammates from India, would frequently undertake a 75km bus journey from the national training camp in Patiala to Chandigarh to observe their male counterparts competing in the Hockey India League (HIL).

As they watched Sardar Singh and Akashdeep Singh play alongside renowned players such as Jamie Dwyer, Mark Knowles, and Moritz Furste, the former captain of the Indian team often expressed a desire for a women's league that would allow them to learn from the best in the sport.

This aspiration will finally be realized when the women's HIL makes its inaugural appearance on Sunday in Ranchi, featuring a match between the Delhi SG Pipers and the Odisha Warriors at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium. The Bengal Tigers will face the Soorma Hockey Club on Monday, marking the beginning of a four-team tournament. This event comes two years after the launch of the Women's Premier League in 2023, which occurred 15 years after the inception of the IPL.

"We often hoped for our own league and felt somewhat disheartened at the time. However, it is finally happening, and we are extremely excited. This is a significant advancement for our girls," stated Sushila, who will represent the Bengal Tigers.

"It is quite remarkable. Our team comprises a blend of Indian juniors, seniors, and international players. We will gain insights into how foreign athletes quickly organize strategies, confront opponents, and shoot on goal. We have the opportunity to learn from the best."

The league phase will span 15 days, concluding on January 24, with the final scheduled for January 26. Each team will compete against the others twice, with the top two teams vying for the championship title. A total of eleven matches will take place at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, while two additional matches will be held at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium across Ranchi.

"When the men's league commenced, we observed a notable improvement in our players' performances as they competed alongside top international athletes. We often inquired with Hockey India (HI) about the possibility of establishing our own league," remarked Savita Punia, the experienced Indian goalkeeper and former national team captain, who will lead the Soorma Hockey Club.

Read Also: Mohammed Shami's Long-Awaited Return to India's T20I Squad Against England

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!