Not Giving Up: Shamsher Eyes India Return via HIL

Shamsher Singh, a vital cog in the Indian hockey team, is determined to use the returning Hockey India League (HIL) as a springboard to relaunch his international career. The HIL is set to make its comeback on December 28, 2025, after a seven-year hiatus, featuring both men's and women's divisions. The men's matches will be held in Rourkela, Odisha, while the women's matches will be organized in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The league is structured to include eight men's teams and six women's teams.

Shamsher, who has represented India in 111 matches and scored 16 goals, was part of the Indian team that won bronze medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics. He also won a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou. Despite these achievements, the forward is eager to prove himself again and reclaim his spot in the national team.

"The HIL is a fantastic opportunity for me to showcase my skills and form," said Shamsher. "I have been working hard on my game, and I believe the league will provide the perfect platform to demonstrate my abilities and contribute to a team's success."

The HIL's return is a pivotal moment for Indian hockey. After a successful relaunch of the league, Hockey India is focusing on developing talent in both men's and women's sports. The league will run from December 28 to February 5. The men's league will be held in Rourkela and the women's edition in Ranchi. The finals for the men's division will be played on February 1, 2025, and the women's finals will be held on January 26, 2025.

The league provides a crucial platform for young players and women to develop their skills. Over 500 foreign players have registered for the league, along with more than 1,000 Indian players. This blend of experienced international players and domestic talent is expected to raise the league's competitiveness and profile.

Shamsher's journey from a young player to an experienced campaigner has been marked by significant growth. He debuted for the national senior team at the 2019 Men's Ready Steady Tokyo Hockey Tournament. He was named co-captain of the Delhi SG Pipers alongside Australia's Jacob Whetton. Shamsher sees this as an opportunity to inspire the next generation of players.

"It's a proud moment for me to lead the Delhi SG Pipers," said Shamsher. "The trust shown in me is significant, and I'm ready to take on this responsibility. I will give my 100% to ensure we bond as a team and perform well."

The HIL aims to provide a sustainable event, building on India's recent successes in hockey. Support for Indian hockey has grown after the men's team won two bronze medals in the last two Olympics, and the women's national squad's global rankings have also improved after competitive performances.

Shamsher's focus remains clear: to perform at his best in the HIL and earn a recall to the Indian team. "My ultimate goal is to represent India again and contribute to the team's success on the international stage," he stated. "I am confident that the HIL will help me achieve that goal."