Savita Praises Hockey India’s Commitment to Gender Equality
New Delhi: Indian women’s hockey goalkeeper and former captain, Savita Punia, has lauded Hockey India’s commitment to gender equality, especially with the upcoming Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25.
For the first time in HIL’s history, the tournament will feature both men’s and women’s teams, giving equal importance to both categories. HIL 2024-25 will be held between the last week of December 2024 and the first week of February 2025, during the period approved by the International Hockey Federation (FIH). The tournament will see the participation of eight men’s teams and six women’s teams, running concurrently—a unique moment in global sports leagues.
Praising this initiative, Savita said, “Having men’s and women’s HIL running together is something I don’t think has happened in any other sport. Hockey India has always ensured that men’s and women’s teams are treated equally. For instance, when both teams win international matches or competitions, the prize money is the same. This speaks volumes about Hockey India’s dedication to promoting gender equality in sports. As a player, it feels empowering to be part of an organization that values the contributions of female athletes as much as their male counterparts.”
Hockey India has long been committed to maintaining equality between the men’s and women’s national teams. Whether in terms of facilities, international exposure, or match rewards, both teams receive equal support, including financial incentives for international victories and equal prize money for winning international tournaments.
Highlighting the impact of the Women’s HIL on nurturing talent, Savita added, “The introduction of a dedicated women’s league is a game-changer and undoubtedly a huge step for Indian hockey. For young female athletes, this platform will not only give them the opportunity to compete at a higher level but also help them improve as players. It’s a fantastic chance to showcase their talent and climb the ranks, and I believe we will see some exceptional performances in the upcoming season.”