Fresh from the emotional high of a podium finish at the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup, India’s young hockey stars are quickly turning their attention to the next crucial step in their careers the Hero Hockey India League (HIL).
With the men’s competition set to begin in Chennai on January 3 and the women’s league starting in Ranchi on December 28, the league offers a vital platform for emerging players to stake their claim for senior national team selection.
India’s bronze medal at the Junior World Cup, sealed with a spirited 4–2 comeback win over Argentina, showcased the depth and promise of the country’s next generation. But for players like Anmol Ekka, Dilraj Singh and Arshdeep Singh, the celebrations have been short-lived. The focus has already shifted to consistency, performance, and adaptability qualities that will be tested in the high-intensity environment of the HIL.
The significance of the league is not lost on the players, particularly with senior national team chief coach Craig Fulton expected to closely track performances. The HIL, featuring a mix of Indian internationals and elite overseas professionals, has historically served as a springboard for young players transitioning into the senior setup.
Dilraj Singh, one of India’s standout performers at the Junior World Cup with five goals to his name, sees the upcoming season as a defining opportunity. “Ending the Junior World Cup campaign with a medal around our necks feels fantastic,” he said. “But doing well in the Hockey India League is the next big step if we want to make the senior team. We know we will be watched closely, and performing in the HIL where we are on the same platform as senior international players will be extremely important.”
Dilraj, who will turn out for SG Pipers this season, believes the league’s competitive intensity will demand a higher level of tactical discipline and mental sharpness. For many juniors, it is the first real test of sustaining performance across a longer, more physically demanding tournament.
Read Articles Without Ads On Your IndiaSportsHub App. Download Now And Stay Updated
Anmol Ekka, who produced a match-winning display in the bronze medal match and earned the Player of the Match award, echoed similar sentiments. The forward will represent Ranchi Royals in the upcoming season and is particularly excited about the learning opportunities that come with playing alongside some of the world’s best penalty corner specialists.
“I am really looking forward to my stint with Ranchi Royals,” Ekka said. “Playing alongside players like Loick Luypeart and Tom Boon, who are both exceptional penalty corner experts, will be a huge learning experience. I am confident that this exposure will help me improve my game and put me in a good position to push for a place in the senior core group.”
For Ekka, the HIL represents more than just another tournament. It is a chance to refine his skills under pressure, absorb knowledge from seasoned internationals, and show that his Junior World Cup performances were no one-off.
Arshdeep Singh, another key contributor to India’s junior campaign, will line up for Hyderabad Toofans. Known for his sharp assists, ability to win penalty corners, and a hat-trick in the round-robin stage, Arshdeep understands the historical importance of the league in shaping careers.
“I am extremely excited and eagerly waiting for the Hockey India League to begin,” Arshdeep said. “We have seen how this league has helped players in the past to break into the senior squad. One of the biggest examples is Amit Rohidas, whose time with Kalinga Lancers in 2017 completely changed his career. That story is very popular among us junior players and shows what the HIL can do.”
Arshdeep also highlighted the urgency that comes with this phase of their careers. “Next year is crucial for us as we push for a place in the senior team. If we can’t impress now, we know it becomes a much longer road through domestic tournaments. Coach Craig Fulton has followed us closely during camps and practice matches against the senior team, and now he will be watching us in the HIL. Doing well here will definitely be on our minds.”
All the junior stars from India’s World Cup squad have been drafted across the six HIL franchises, ensuring they get regular exposure at the highest domestic level. The opening match of the men’s league will see Tamil Nadu Dragons take on Hyderabad Toofans at Chennai’s iconic Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, setting the tone for a season that promises high-quality hockey and intense competition.
For India’s junior contingent, the Hero Hockey India League is not just about team results or individual milestones. It is a proving ground a chance to translate junior success into senior readiness, and to take a decisive step closer to wearing the senior India jersey on the world stage.
