Hero Hockey India League Returns with a Historic and Record-Breaking Season
by EVENTFAQS Bureau Industry Watch | April 4, 2025 | News
Hero Hockey India League
The much-awaited return of the Hero Hockey India League (HIL) has proven to be a major milestone in the journey of Indian hockey. After a seven-year break, the league has come back stronger than ever—not just bringing back the men’s league but also making history with the launch of its first-ever women’s edition.
This season’s comeback coincides with a special moment: the centenary of Indian hockey and the country’s back-to-back Olympic medal victories. It’s a powerful reminder of India’s growing presence on the global hockey stage.
Hero HIL 2024–25 has shattered all expectations, drawing over 40.8 million viewers, a massive 48% jump compared to 2017’s 27.5 million. The men’s final alone attracted 3.07 million viewers, while the most-watched women’s match came close at 2.92 million.
The league has also seen strong global interest, with more than 5 million viewers tuning in from 18 hockey-playing countries outside India, across both TV and OTT platforms.
One of the standout achievements of this season has been the near-equal attention given to women’s matches. While sports viewership typically favors men’s events, Hero HIL has challenged that norm. The 13 women’s matches reached 15.1 million viewers, while 44 men’s matches drew 32.9 million—showing a significant step towards balanced viewership.
Dr. Dilip Tirkey, President, Hockey India President said, “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.”
Beyond traditional media, the league has created a digital buzz. Hockey India’s social media platforms saw over 1 billion views across 3,000+ posts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. This strong online presence reflects a passionate and growing community of fans.
Since the Tokyo Olympics, where hockey made up 15.2% of the first week’s 69 million Olympic viewers in India, the sport has continued to gain momentum. Hero HIL’s triumphant return is a clear sign that hockey remains close to the nation’s heart.
Shri Bhola Nath Singh, Secretary General, Hockey India said, “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.”
With record-breaking viewership, a strong digital footprint, and growing global interest, the Hero Hockey India League is not just back—it’s setting the stage for an even brighter future for Indian hockey.
After a seven-year break, the league has come back stronger than ever—not just bringing back the men’s league but also making history with the launch of its first-ever women’s edition.