Monday, 14 January 2013:The inaugural Hockey India League (HIL) begins on Tuesday morning (January 15) at 1:30am AEST live on Fox Sports 2.
The franchise based, five team tournament (Delhi, Jalandhar, Lucknow, Mumbai & Ranchi) will see the best international players join forces with the best Indian talent, spanning 28 days and 34 matches.
Match schedule (AEST) – Week 1
Game 1: Delhi Waveriders v Jalandhar Jaypee Punjab Warriors: January 15, Tuesday 01:30 – Fox Sports 2
Game 2: Jaypee Punjab Warriors v Ranchi Rhinos: January 16, Wednesday 23:30 – Fox Sports 1
Game 3: Delhi Waveriders v Mumbai Magicians: January 17, Thursday 01:30 – Fox Sports 1
Game 4: Jaypee Punjab Warriors v Uttar Pradesh Wizards: January 18, Friday 01:30 – Fox Sports 1
Game 5: Ranchi Rhino v Mumbai Magicians: January 19, Saturday 01:30 – Fox Sports 2
Game 6: Uttar Pradesh Wizards v Delhi Waveriders: January 19, Saturday 14:30 – Fox Sports 1
Each team is comprised of 24 players with 10 of the world’s best international players (outside of India) included in each team.
The tournament will showcase FIH World Player of the Year winners Jamie Dwyer (2004, 07, 09-11), Teun de Nooijer (2003, 05-06) and Moritz Fuerste (2012). Joining them are FIH Young Player of the Year winners Matthew Swann (2011, Australia), Ashley Jackson (2009, England), Eddie Ockenden (2008, Australia) and Mark Knowles (2007, Australia).
The tournament’s first match will proceed straight after the opening ceremony and showcase the Delhi Waveriders franchise against the Jalandhar Jaypee Punjab Warriors at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. Delhi’s sole Australian representaive, Matthew Gohdes can provide plenty of inside knowledge on their opponents which is comprised of 6 Kookaburras teammates: Jamie Dwyer, Mark Knowles, Simon Orchard, Rob Hammond, Kieran Govers and Chris Ciriello.