CONRAD DIAS
Ranchi, June 4: It’s been five years since the Hockey India League (HIL) matches were last played in Ranchi. Keeping the success of HIL in mind, Hockey Jharkhand had decided earlier to come up with a premier hockey league that would be played at the district level.
According to the information provided by the vice-president of Hockey Jharkhand, Manoj Konbegi, the tournament was scheduled to begin in August this year but is expected to be delayed.
“It is still in the planning process and we were hoping to begin the premier league in August this year. However, the hockey stadium in Ranchi is not yet been renovated hence the schedule will have to be postponed,” the VP informed.
He added that the renovation work is expected to get over in the next two months.
The stadium currently has a seating capacity of approximately 5,000 people and it can increase after the renovation. The stadium is home ground to the Jharkhand Hockey Team and the Hockey India League franchise Ranchi Rays.
The Vice President added that with the inception of the premier league in Jharkhand, many talented players will get recognition as it will be played on a different level. Also, such tournaments will help them in improving their games and rubbing shoulders with some of the famous players.
