Hockey India League 2024-25: Why the Opening Ceremony in Rourkela Was Cancelled?

Hockey India League 2024-25: The Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 opening ceremony has been cancelled as a mark of respect for former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday.

The performances by Bollywood actor Sara Ali Khan and popular singer King will not take place in light of Dr Manmohan Singh's passing away. Instead, a two-minute silence was observed for the former PM at the Birsa Munda Stadium in Rourkela.

“This is to inform you that as a mark of respect for the former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday, the Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 Governing Committee has announced the cancellation of scheduled performances by Bollywood actor Sara Ali Khan and popular singer King at the opening ceremony, originally set to take place on December 28, 2024, in Rourkela,” the HIL announced in a statement.

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“The Hero Hockey India League will kick-off today with the opening event, and the scheduled match between Team Gonasika and Delhi SG Pipers to ensure that the event honors the significance of the moment,” it added.

This decision was made to honour the former Prime Minister's legacy and the significance of the moment. The event will instead concentrate on paying respects while continuing with the Delhi SG Pipers vs. Team Gonasika competition, which is scheduled to begin at 8:15 PM IST.

In light of his passing, the Governing Committee cancelled the scheduled performances by Bollywood actor Sara Ali Khan and popular singer King, originally planned for the ceremony.

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After 7 years the Hockey India League is back. The new format has 8 teams in men’s and 6 teams in women’s. This edition aims to fix the mistakes of previous seasons which led to the league’s sustainability.

To do this the organizers have partnered with a private company to design a more sustainable and long term model for the league. The women’s tournament will start from 12th January 2025 onwards.

Delhi SG Pipers, Hyderabad Toofans, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, Soorma Hockey Club, Tamil Nadu Dragons, Team Gonasika, UP Rudras, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers.

Harmanpreet Singh, Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh and many more Indian players along with Blake Govers and Thierry Brinkman will be part of the league. Though the entertainment part of the opening ceremony has been cut down, the main focus is on good hockey.

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