The Hockey India League (HIL) is gearing up for an expanded edition in January 2026, promising to bring more excitement and broader reach to the sport. According to Hockey India Federation President Dilip Tirkey, the league will be hosted in three venues instead of the usual two. This move aims to enhance the event's appeal and accessibility for fans across the country.
While the men's league will maintain its eight-team structure, there's a possibility of expanding the women's league from four to six teams. This potential expansion reflects the growing interest and investment in women's hockey in India. However, the withdrawal of Gonasika men and the Odisha Warriors women teams presents a challenge. Hockey India is actively seeking replacements to ensure the league maintains its competitive balance.
In addition to expanding the league's geographical footprint, Hockey India has expressed its ambition to bring the HIL to North India in the future. While climatic conditions pose a hurdle, the federation is determined to explore opportunities to engage fans in this region.
To ensure smooth operations and player satisfaction, Hockey India has confirmed that all previous player dues have been settled. Furthermore, a mini-auction is planned to facilitate new team compositions, allowing franchises to strengthen their squads with fresh talent. These efforts underscore the league's commitment to providing a fair and professional environment for all participants.
Beyond the HIL, Hockey India is also focused on building strong national teams for upcoming international events, including next year's World Cup and Asian Games. The federation is implementing various initiatives to identify and nurture talent, ensuring that India remains a competitive force on the global hockey stage.
The Hockey India League was founded in 2013 to promote hockey and develop an International Hockey Federation-sanctioned league. The league has faced challenges, including disbanding teams and financial issues, but it has also experienced successes. The most recent champions are the Odisha Warriors (women's) and the Rarh Bengal Tigers (men's). In the 2024-25 season, the Rarh Bengal Tigers defeated the Hyderabad Toofans 4-3 in the final.
