As Indian men’s hockey prepares for one of its most demanding international cycles in recent years, Harmanpreet Singh and Hardik Singh see the Men’s Hero Hockey India League, HIL 2026 as far more than a domestic competition.
For the two pillars of the national side, the upcoming HIL season represents a decisive phase in shaping form, leadership clarity, and match readiness ahead of a calendar that includes the FIH Pro League, FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, and the 2026 Asian Games.
India and JSW Soorma Hockey Club captain Harmanpreet Singh believes the timing of the league could not be better. With international expectations rising after recent global performances, the Hero HIL offers a competitive environment that closely mirrors the intensity of top-level international hockey.
“Hero HIL 2026 comes at the perfect time for all of us in the Indian team,” Harmanpreet said. “For JSW Soorma Hockey Club, the expectation is to be one of the most disciplined and dangerous sides in both circles. The standard across franchises is very high, so every game will feel like an international match, which is exactly what we want before the Pro League, World Cup, and Asian Games.”
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For Harmanpreet, who continues to be India’s most influential drag-flicker and a central leader in defence, the league is also a platform to strengthen leadership depth. Balancing responsibility for both club and country, he views HIL as a testing ground where experienced players and emerging talents must grow together under pressure.
“As captain for India and Soorma, I see Hero HIL as a chance to build leadership depth and give younger players big-match exposure alongside senior names,” he explained. “If we set the tone with our work rate, penalty corner execution, and defensive organisation here, it will carry directly into our performances for India later in the year. The goal is clear — have a strong HIL season and then convert that confidence into medals for the country.”
In midfield, Hardik Singh is set to play a similarly influential role, lining up for the HIL Governing Council team, which has taken over operations from the UP Rudras franchise to ensure continuity for its core group of players. Known for his control, tempo management, and defensive discipline, Hardik sees the league as a vital rehearsal for the challenges that lie ahead internationally.
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“This Hero HIL season is massive for me and for our HIL Governing Council team,” Hardik said. “The league always offers high-intensity, high-pressure games, and that is exactly what is needed before a year packed with big tournaments. Our expectation is to play bold, attacking hockey, build a strong identity as a group, and show that this squad can compete with any franchise in the league.”
Hardik emphasised that the tactical diversity across HIL teams provides rare preparation value. With international stars spread across franchises, each match presents a different strategic puzzle something that closely resembles the demands of elite tournaments.
“Week in, week out, you face different styles, top drag-flickers, fast forwards, and tight defensive units,” he noted. “If we can execute our plans here and maintain consistency over the season, it will help carry that rhythm into the Pro League, World Cup, and Asian Games. Personally, I want to take up more responsibility in both defence and attack and arrive for India duty in peak shape.”
The Men’s Hero HIL 2026 will feature eight franchises Tamil Nadu Dragons, Hyderabad Toofans, JSW Soorma Hockey Club, defending champions Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, Ranchi Royals, SG Pipers, and the HIL Governing Council team. The competition follows a single round-robin format with 23 league matches, followed by playoffs and a grand final on January 26 at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, making up 33 high-stakes matches in total.
The league begins on January 3 in Chennai, moves to Ranchi, and culminates in Bhubaneswar, offering packed venues, daily double-headers, and sustained competitive intensity. For Harmanpreet Singh and Hardik Singh, Hero HIL 2026 is not merely about franchise success.
It is a crucial bridge between domestic excellence and international ambition a stage where India’s leaders aim to sharpen their edge before carrying the nation’s hopes into a defining year on the global hockey stage.
