HIL returns in January with expanded multi-city format

Hockey fever is set to grip the nation again as Season Two of the revamped Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) gets underway on January 3 in Chennai, promising a month-long carnival of fast-paced action, world-class players, and intense rivalries across three cities. The opening match will see Tamil Nadu Dragons face Hyderabad Toofans, setting the tone for what promises to be a blockbuster edition.

Organised by Hockey India, the league will travel through Chennai, Ranchi, and Bhubaneswar, culminating in a grand finale on January 26 at the iconic Kalinga Stadium the modern home of Indian hockey.

Three-city festival of Hockey

The first leg of the men’s league will take place in Chennai’s Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium from January 3 to 9, followed by the Ranchi leg (January 11–16) at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium. The final and most crucial stretch will unfold in Bhubaneswar (January 17–26), featuring the playoffs and title clash.

The tournament featured eight teams, including defending champions Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, JSW Soorma Hockey Club, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, Ranchi Royals, SG Pipers, Hyderabad Toofans, Tamil Nadu Dragons, and the HIL Governing Council team.

A total of 33 matches will be played in a single round-robin format, where each team faces the others once. The top four sides will qualify for the playoffs with Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator scheduled for January 23, followed by Qualifier 2 on January 25, all in Bhubaneswar.

Global stars and Indian talent unite

The HIL will once again feature an impressive international line-up, with players from Argentina, Belgium, Germany, England, Spain, and Australia among others. The event aims to not only entertain fans but also elevate the standard of Indian hockey through top-tier competition.

Dilip Tirkey, Chairperson of the HIL Governing Committee, said the expansion of the men’s league to three cities reflects the growing popularity of the event.

“After the success of last season, we wanted to take the league to more fans and venues. This multi-city format will give spectators across India the chance to experience world-class hockey up close,” Tirkey said.

Women’s HIL to precede the Men’s league

Before the men’s league begins, the Women’s HIL will set the stage with its second season from December 28 to January 10 in Ranchi. The tournament featured four teams Ranchi Royals, SG Pipers, JSW Soorma Hockey Club, and Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers.

The women’s event will follow a double round-robin format, where each team faces every other side twice. The top two teams after the league phase will advance to the final on January 10. A total of 13 matches are scheduled, featuring international stars from the Netherlands, Belgium, Argentina, Australia, Spain, and Great Britain.

Grand finale on Republic day

The men’s league will conclude on January 26 with the third-place match and the grand final under the Bhubaneswar lights, a fitting end on Republic Day for a sport that has long been India’s pride.

With its mix of local passion, global talent, and vibrant venues, the upcoming HIL season promises to be a festival of hockey that celebrates both India’s heritage and its modern resurgence on the turf.