Hockey India, in collaboration with Coca-Cola India and its foundation Anandana, is set to host the final phase of the National Women’s Hockey League 2024-25. Scheduled from March 18th to March 28th, 2025, the tournament will take place in Ranchi, Jharkhand. This follows the successful completion of the league’s first phase during April and May 2024. It is a continuation of the organisation’s efforts to provide a competitive platform for the country’s leading women’s hockey players.
This season’s lineup pulls the best eight teams from the 14th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship 2024. Expect to see top-tier competition from Hockey Haryana, Hockey Maharashtra, Hockey Jharkhand, Hockey Madhya Pradesh, Hockey Bengal, Hockey Mizoram, Manipur Hockey, and Hockey Association of Odisha.
National Women’s Hockey League 2024-25: The President’s words
Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey stated, “We are excited to see the young players compete at such a high level. It is crucial to have youngsters compete in domestic tournaments all around the year for their growth. I wish all the players and coaches all the best and hope we get to see some great matches and rising talents in the ranks. We recently saw a brilliant level of hockey being played in the Senior Women National Championship, and I am expecting to see that from the junior players as well.“
Empowering women’s hockey through #SheTheDifference
For the first time, Coca-Cola India’s CSR arm, Anandana, has partnered with Hockey India to support the National Women’s Hockey League. While Coca-Cola has historically backed men’s hockey at various levels, this partnership is a much-needed shift toward promoting women’s participation in the sport. It aligns with the company’s commitment to gender equality under the #SheTheDifference initiative.
The #SheTheDifference campaign offers meaningful resources to women athletes who have long faced limited access to professional support. Coca-Cola India, through Anandana, provides specialised coaching, advanced training equipment, and nutritional support. Moreover, it organises structured camps and tournaments. The three-year association ensures the league operates not only as a competitive platform but also as a channel for identifying and nurturing the best-performing players to join the Indian national women’s hockey team.
Commenting on the ongoing partnership, Rajiv Gupta, Director of The Coca-Cola India Foundation, said, “At Coca-Cola India, we believe in the power to inspire and transform lives through meaningful community engagement. The National Women’s Hockey League is not just a tournament—it’s a platform that nurtures the next generation of women athletes. Through our #SheTheDifference campaign, we remain committed to equipping female athletes with a supportive ecosystem while inspiring more young women to break barriers and pursue their passion in sports.”
National Women’s Hockey League: Investing in the future of women’s sports in India
Sports in India have never been easy for women. For decades, women athletes have faced challenges far greater than their male counterparts. These challenges include low pay and lack of access to proper training facilities. Cricket and hockey, two of India’s most celebrated sports, remain primarily male-dominated. Unfortunately, women’s achievements still struggle to receive equal space.
This is where initiatives like the National Women’s Hockey League, supported by Coca-Cola India’s #SheTheDifference campaign, matter. It is no longer enough to celebrate women’s victories with token applause. What women athletes need is long-term investment in training programs, access to quality coaching, proper nutritional guidance, and reliable platforms to compete year-round.
Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh said, “Coca-Cola India’s steadfast commitment has helped us create a strong foundation for female athletes. As we commence the final phase of the league, we look forward to witnessing exceptional performances that will define the future of Indian women’s hockey.”
Women athletes deserve more than applause after a win. They deserve consistent investment before and after it.
The final thoughts on National Women’s Hockey League 2024-25
The partnership between Hockey India and Coca-Cola India, through its foundation, Anandana, marks a significant milestone in promoting gender equality in sports. As audiences gather to watch India’s top female hockey talent in Ranchi, we must also look beyond the thrill of the game. Victories may shine for a moment, but real change happens off the field through consistent investment, proper training, and equal access.
Changeincontent’s perspective: The change is finally starting to happen
For decades, women’s sports in India have battled a lack of funding, visibility, and respect. When a major global brand like Coca-Cola steps up—not for cricket, but for women’s hockey—it signals a long-overdue shift. This is precisely what #NoWomensDay is about—not just celebrating women when they win but creating a system where they are set up to win. The National Women’s Hockey League, backed by Coca-Cola India’s #SheTheDifference campaign, is a decisive step in the right direction.
But the question remains—will other brands follow?
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content. We broadly define inclusivity as media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and marginalised individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
