New Delhi. Former captain Rani Rampal believes the Women’s Hockey India League can have the same impact on the game as the Indian Premier League has on cricket. Four teams, Delhi SG Pipers, Odisha Warriors, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers and Surma Hockey Club, will participate in the first WHIL to be held from January 12 to 26 in Ranchi. Rani, mentor and coach of Surma club, told SAI (Sports Authority of India) media, “This time there may be only four teams but it has taken a lot of time for the league to start. Hockey India should be appreciated for this.
The former Indian hockey captain said, “The men’s hockey team won bronze medals in the Olympics in Tokyo and Paris. Its foundation was laid years ago by the Men’s Hockey India League.” He said, ”Now thanks to the start of the Women’s HIL. This will give a lot of talented young female players an opportunity to showcase their skills in the 2032 and 2036 Olympics. This platform will prove to be very useful.
Giving the example of women’s cricket in this context, Rani said, “Nobody knew much about women’s cricket, but now you see how this game has become so popular in the country. From Women’s IPL (WPL) people came to know about it and started following it.