Hockey India announces 2014 HIl schedule, champions Rhinos start campaign on Day 2
Jaypee Punjab Warriors (JPW) will take on last year's runners-up Delhi Waveriders (DWR) in the inaugural match of the second edition of the Hero Hockey India league at Mohali on January 25.
On the second day, Ranchi Rhinos (RR) will start their title defence against inaugural edition's third-placed team Uttar Pradesh Wizards in Ranchi while on the same day, JPW, which has five-time FIH Player of the year award winner Jamie Dwyer of Australia will play their second match of the league against Mumbai Magicians at home.
The much-awaited clash between inaugural edition's two finalists — FIH Player of the year Moritz Furste-led RR and Indian team skipper Sardar Singh-led DWR will be held on January 27 in Ranchi, Hockey India said in a release.
The league's newest team — Kalinga lancers (Kl) will start its campaign against JPW on 28th January at the Kalinga stadium in Odisha's Capital Bhubaneswar.
National team head coach Terry Walsh's lancers will travel to Delhi and play their second match against DWR, who will play their first home match at the Major Dhyan Chand National stadium on 30th of this month.
The two semifinals and final of HIl will be played at Birsa Munda Astro Turf Hockey stadium in Ranchi on February 22 and 23 respectively.
The entire league will be telecast live on Star Sports, the broadcast partners for the tournament. The 34 matches, to be played in a span of 30 days, will be held at Mohali, Ranchi, Delhi, Mumbai, lucknow and Bhubaneswar.