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The 3rd edition of Hero Hockey India League is set to kick-start from 22nd January 2015
New Delhi, 25 November 2014: Post the HHIL Players Closed Bid 2014, where the selection of the players for the six different franchise was set in stone, Hockey India today announces the match schedule for the third edition of the Hero Hockey India League. The league is a month long thrilling event which is scheduled to take place from 22nd January till 22nd February 2015featuring six franchisee-based city teams consisting of star players from India and the rest of the world.
The rousing action is set to begin on 22nd January 2015 in Bhubaneswar where, Kalinga Lancers will be seen playing the opening match against Ranchi Rays. Dabang Mumbai will be seen making their tournament debut against Jaypee Punjab Warriors on Friday, 23rd January in Mumbai, post which Uttar Pradesh Wizards will take on the defending champions Delhi Waveriders on the same day in Lucknow. Compiling a fresh team for the tournament with big names which includes star players like Tom Boon of Belgium and Australian player Matthew Swann, being the highest and the second highest paid players of the League respectively, Dabang Mumbai is expected to be one of the strongest contenders in the tournament.
Commenting on the schedule of HHIL, Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh playing for Uttar Pradesh Wizard said, “I am happy that I will be playing for Uttar Pradesh Wizards this season onwards. Hero HIL has given us a platform where we get to interact with different players and help us to grow our game. I will aim to give my best and also excited to join the team.”
Speaking on the fast approaching of the HHIL, Midfielder Sardar Singh playing for Delhi Waveriders said, “We are the defending Champions and will be looking at retaining the title. While all teams are geared up and I am sure no team will leave any stone unturned to win and aim for the semi-final spot. We are aware of the challenge which is immense but we are ready to take on the teams.”
Excited on the scheduled onset of the HHIL, Forward Jamie Dwyer playing for Jaypee Punjab Warriors said, “We were the runners-up for the last edition just missing the title by a whisker. This year the target is clear to win and get the trophy home.”
Speaking on the HHIL 2015 set to commence soon, Midfielder Devindar Sunil Walmiki playing for Kalinga Lancers said, “I am extremely happy that the manner in which our team has been shaping up. We will aim for the semi-final spot first and then take it forward from there.”
The 3rd edition of Hero Hockey India League is scheduled from 22nd January – 22nd February 2015, with the semi-finals and finals slotted to be played in Delhi on 21st February and 22nd February 2015 respectively. The League will be aired LIVE on Star Sports.
For Complete Schedule: Click here