Few Indian cities can claim a relationship with professional hockey as deep and consequential as Ranchi. Since the launch of the Hockey India League (HIL) in 2013, the Jharkhand capital has emerged as one of the sport’s most influential hubs, defined by passionate crowds, elite infrastructure, and an uncanny ability to produce winning franchises.
The journey from Ranchi Rhinos to Ranchi Rays and now Ranchi Royals is not merely a change of names, but a reflection of how Indian hockey itself has evolved over more than a decade .
Ranchi’s professional hockey story began with the Ranchi Rhinos in the inaugural HIL season of 2013. Hockey India identified Ranchi as a natural host city due to its strong grassroots culture and the Astroturf Hockey Stadium at Morabadi. Owned by the Patel-PS Group and Uniexcel Group, the Rhinos were a product of the league’s early industrial-ownership model, where regional conglomerates backed teams for visibility and sporting ambition.
What followed in 2013 set the tone for everything that came after. Coached by South African Gregg Clark and led on the field by German Olympic champion Moritz Fürste, the Rhinos combined international tactical discipline with emerging Indian talent. Young forwards such as Mandeep Singh flourished in a system that balanced structure with attacking freedom. The results were immediate and emphatic. Ranchi finished the league phase with nine wins from 14 matches and went on to defeat Delhi Waveriders 2–1 in the final at home. Winning the title in their debut season validated both Ranchi as a hockey market and the franchise-based league model itself .
The 2014 season, however, hinted at the financial fragility beneath the surface. Although the Rhinos remained competitive and finished third overall, operational disagreements with Hockey India over franchise fees and returns led to the team’s withdrawal later that year. On-field success was not enough to sustain the franchise, underscoring the economic challenges that would later engulf the league.
Ranchi’s absence was brief. In 2015, the city returned to the HIL spotlight with the Ranchi Rays, backed by the Sahara Group and Indian cricket icon MS Dhoni. This marked a significant shift in the league’s commercial strategy, introducing celebrity ownership to boost visibility and fan engagement. Despite the ownership change, continuity remained central, with much of the Rhinos’ core retained.
Under head coach Harendra Singh, the Rays produced a remarkable repeat of history. In their very first season, they won the HIL title, defeating Punjab Warriors in a dramatic final decided by a shoot-out. The victory reinforced what was fast becoming a Ranchi pattern debut seasons ending with silverware. Captain Ashley Jackson’s influence in midfield and clutch performances in high-pressure moments defined that campaign, cementing Ranchi’s reputation as the league’s most successful city.
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The Rays remained competitive through 2016 and 2017, but the broader league began to unravel. Mounting financial losses, scheduling conflicts with international tournaments, and limited commercial growth forced the HIL into a prolonged hiatus after 2017. Once again, Ranchi found itself without a professional team, despite its proven sporting success.
The revival of the Hockey India League in the mid-2020s brought Ranchi back for a third time, now as the Ranchi Royals. This iteration reflects a more modern, region-focused vision. Owned by Alvish M.A., the Royals entered the league by acquiring slots vacated due to financial sustainability concerns a reminder that while the league has evolved, its economic realities remain demanding.
The Royals’ setup blends legacy with adaptation. On the men’s side, Indian stalwarts such as Manpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh anchor the squad alongside elite internationals like Tom Boon and Loick Luypaert. On the women’s side, Ranchi enters a new frontier, competing in the Women’s HIL for the first time. With Argentine stars and local icon Nikki Pradhan leading the charge, the women’s team symbolises the league’s push towards gender inclusivity and broader growth.
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Structurally, the modern HIL is very different from its early years. Matches are shorter, squads are leaner, and tactical demands are higher. Penalty corner efficiency, rapid transitions and physical conditioning now play a decisive role. For the Royals, managing workloads and extracting peak performance from a condensed roster will be critical, especially given the weight of Ranchi’s history.
That history, however, is both inspiration and pressure. Both previous Ranchi franchises won titles in their debut seasons. Anything less than contention for the Royals will inevitably invite comparison. Yet the competitive landscape is tougher than ever, with stronger franchises and tighter margins across the league.
Ultimately, the story of Ranchi in the Hockey India League is one of resilience and reinvention. From industrial ownership to celebrity backing to a modern regional model, the city has adapted with the sport. While names and structures have changed, Ranchi’s core identity a city that lives and breathes hockey remains constant.
As the Ranchi Royals take the field, they do so carrying not just expectations, but a legacy that has shaped the very fabric of professional hockey in India .
