India’s New Delhi The location and schedule for the first Hockey India Masters Cup 2025 (men’s and women’s) have been formally announced by Hockey India (HI).

From June 18 to June 27, the Tamil Nadu Hockey Unit in Chennai will hold the first-ever edition of this innovative competition.

With a designated stage for seasoned players, this tournament ushers in a new era in Indian hockey. The Hockey India Masters Cup is set to be a celebration of endurance, passion, and the unwavering love for the game, including tournaments in both men’s and women’s divisions. A player must be 40 years of age or older to participate in the men’s division, and 35 years of age or older to compete in the women’s division, according to the rules.

Soon, the teams’ names for both categories will be made public. Players must register with their individual State Member Units in order to compete.

Pools for the league-cum-knockout competition will be created according to the final number of teams that enter.

“Being a part of the first-ever Hockey India Masters Cup is a deeply emotional and exciting moment for me,” said Asunta Lakra, the former captain of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team, in a news release from Hockey India, expressing her enthusiasm for the competition. Being able to play hockey again while surrounded by other veterans who have experienced similar things is a genuinely unique opportunity. Hockey has changed who I am.

“This event is about heritage, love, and the enduring connection we all have with the sport—it’s not just about competitiveness. I’m happy that Hockey India has established this platform so that previous players may experience the excitement of the game again and continue to motivate the younger generation. Not simply because I love the game, but because of all it has given us over the years, I’m pleased to wear my boots once again,” she said.