The Hockey India League (HIL) is gearing up for an expansion in 2026, with matches set to be held in three cities instead of the previous two. This announcement was made by Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey on Sunday.

Expansion Plans

The decision to expand the venue list is aimed at enhancing the reach and excitement of the league. According to Tirkey, Hockey India is considering expanding the league to more cities to spread the sport and prevent player boredom. While the men's competition will maintain its eight-team structure, there is a possibility of expanding the women's league from four to six teams.

Possible venues under consideration include New Delhi, Lucknow, and Chennai, in addition to Rourkela and Ranchi, which have previously hosted league matches. Hockey India also has plans to extend the league into North India in the future, despite climatic concerns.

Team Withdrawals and Replacements

Despite the expansion plans, the league has faced some setbacks with the withdrawal of Gonasika men and the Odisha Warriors women teams. Tirkey has stated that replacement teams are expected to be announced soon. Players from the withdrawn teams will return to the auction pool, joining players from other teams. A mini-auction is planned for September or October to finalize new team compositions.

Financial Stability and Player Welfare

All previous player dues have been settled, ensuring that players receive their rightful compensation. There were delays in paying salaries to many players from Odisha Warriors, but Hockey India has cleared those dues from the team's winning prize money.

To avoid player fatigue, the duration of the league may be shortened to ensure completion within one month, especially with the upcoming World Cup and Asian Games.

Focus on National Teams

Efforts are underway to ensure that India has strong national teams for the next year's World Cup and Asian Games. Hockey India is also committed to supporting Indian coaches by conducting frequent clinics and identifying opportunities for them to enhance their knowledge and gain experience abroad.

Previous Seasons

In its initial avatar, the Hockey India League faced challenges due to high operational costs, including player salaries, travel, accommodation, and training facilities. Limited sponsorship revenue further exacerbated the situation. The decision to limit the league to two venues in the previous season – Rourkela for men and Ranchi for women – was aimed at ensuring financial sustainability for the franchises. The previous edition was criticized for being held in just one city, which impacted marketing aspects and team visibility.

Future Goals

Dilip Tirkey has emphasized Hockey India's commitment to popularizing the sport and bringing international events to various states to inspire young players. The goal is to connect more fans with hockey and engage the right stakeholders to achieve this vision. Tirkey expressed his excitement about the league's return and stressed the importance of everyone's support in making it a success.