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Hockey’s hot comeback: Hero HIL scores big with Indian viewers
MUMBAI: The Hero Hockey India League (HIL) has roared back to life after a seven-year hiatus, smashing viewership records and breathing fresh life into the sport. The 2024-25 edition didn’t merely return—it revolutionised the game by introducing the first-ever women’s league alongside the men’s competition, coinciding rather neatly with Indian hockey’s centenary celebrations.
The numbers tell a cracking tale: a whopping 40.8 million viewers tuned in overall, rocketing 48 per cent above the 2017 figures. The men’s competition captivated 32.9 million fans, while the women’s matches—despite featuring fewer games—pulled in an impressive 15.1 million viewers.
In a sporting landscape where women’s events typically draw a fraction of male viewership, the HIL has pulled off something of a miracle. At times, the ladies nearly matched their male counterparts in audience figures, with the most-watched women’s match drawing 2.92 million viewers against the men’s final peak of 3.07 million.
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey remarked, “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.”
The digital realm proved equally fruitful, with social media engagement hitting the roof—over a billion views across platforms, turning hockey chat into the hottest ticket in town.
Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh stated, “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.”
The triumphant return builds on hockey’s Olympic momentum, where it accounted for a juicy 15.2 per cent of early Tokyo Games viewership. With these stellar numbers, it seems the stick-and-ball game isn’t just back—it’s positively sizzling.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
