Women’s Hockey India League debuts with grand opening

Ranchi: The Women's Hockey India League took its baby steps here on Sunday and the city did not disappoint. The Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium, which had earlier hosted the Women's Asian Champions Trophy and the Olympic Qualifiers, was packed to its full capacity as men, women, and children of all ages flocked to witness the historic occasion, marking a thrilling debut for the league.
The evening began with a performance by 130 dancers showcasing Jharkhand's rich cultural heritage and folklore.
Local talent Radha Srivastav then took the field and mesmerized the audience with a selection of her most popular songs. It was followed by an eye-popping light-and-sound show that took everyone's breath away.
After this, the Women's HIL trophy was unveiled by the chief guest of the night and Jharkhand MLA Kalpana Soren along with the four captains – Neha Goyal, Navneet Kaur, Salima Tete, and Udita Duhan – and Shilpi Neha Tirkey, the agriculture minister of the state.
Also present during the ceremony was Oceania Hockey Federation president Cameron Vale and Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh among others.
It was after this that the chief guest of the night Kalpana announced the tournament officially open following a short speech where she not only spoke about women's empowerment but also congratulated Hockey India for organizing the tournament.
The ceremony culminated in a dazzling display of fireworks, leaving the audience utterly mesmerized.