After months of anticipation, the stage is finally set for the return of elite domestic hockey as the Men’s Hero Hockey India League (HIL) begins on Saturday, January 3, at the iconic Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Egmore, Chennai.
The second edition of the revived league promises nearly a month of high-intensity action, global stars, and a fresh battle for supremacy, culminating in the final at Bhubaneswar on January 26. Defending champions Shrachi Bengal Tigers enter the new season with the target firmly on their backs, but the overall mood is one of renewal and opportunity. With a revamped competition format, deeper squads, and matches spread across multiple hockey-loving cities, the 2025–26 HIL aims to further cement its place as India’s premier professional hockey league.
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The league will travel across three cities this season. Chennai hosts the opening leg, followed by matches in Ranchi, before the tournament concludes in Bhubaneswar. Hockey India’s decision to adopt a multi-city format reflects its broader vision of taking top-level hockey to fans across the country, allowing more supporters to experience the intensity and atmosphere of world-class matches firsthand.
The curtain-raiser on Saturday evening will see hosts Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons take on Hyderabad Toofans at 7:30 PM IST. It is a fixture loaded with subplots. The Toofans finished runners-up in the previous edition, losing a closely fought final 3–4 to Shrachi Bengal Tigers, and will be eager to go one step further this time. For the Dragons, the opening match offers a chance to make a strong statement at home after narrowly missing out on a podium finish last season following a 2–3 loss to JSW Soorma Hockey Club in the third-place playoff.
One of the biggest changes this season comes in the tournament structure. Unlike the previous edition, which divided teams into two groups, the 2025–26 season will feature a single round-robin league stage. All eight teams will face each other once, with the top four advancing to the playoffs. The playoff system mirrors international franchise leagues, with the top two teams contesting Qualifier 1 for a direct spot in the final. The loser of Qualifier 1 will get another opportunity through Qualifier 2, where they face the winner of Eliminator 1, played between the third- and fourth-placed teams.
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The eight franchises competing this season are Shrachi Bengal Tigers, Hyderabad Toofans, JSW Soorma Hockey Club, SG Pipers, Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, Ranchi Royals, and HIL GC, which has taken over the former UP Rudras outfit. Each team boasts a blend of experienced internationals, senior Indian stars, and exciting young talent, making the league one of the most competitive domestic hockey tournaments in the world.
Indian fans will be keenly watching several national stalwarts in action. India captain Harmanpreet Singh will marshal JSW Soorma Hockey Club, while midfield dynamo Hardik Singh turns out for HIL GC. Manpreet Singh will lead the challenge for Ranchi Royals, and veteran drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh makes his return to top-level competitive hockey with SG Pipers. Adding further intrigue is the presence of India’s Junior World Cup bronze medallists, with players like Rohit and Dilraj Singh (SG Pipers), Amir Ali and Manmeet (Ranchi Royals), Sunil PR (Vedanta Kalinga Lancers), and Prince Deep Singh (Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons) expected to make a strong impact.
The league’s international flavour remains one of its biggest draws. Belgian goal machine Tom Boon will spearhead Ranchi Royals’ attack, while Germany’s Christopher Rühr strengthens the Shrachi Bengal Tigers. JSW Soorma Hockey Club features an imposing overseas contingent, including goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch and midfielder Victor Wegnez. Vedanta Kalinga Lancers boast an elite Belgian duo in Arthur Van Doren and Alexander Hendrickx, while HIL GC will look to England forward Sam Ward for goals and creativity.
With packed squads, tactical depth, and a demanding schedule, consistency will be key as the league progresses. Chennai’s opening week is expected to set the tone for the rest of the tournament, with teams aiming to establish early momentum before the league shifts to Ranchi and then Bhubaneswar.
All matches of the Men’s Hero Hockey India League will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3, and DD Sports, with live streaming available on Waves and the Hockey India League’s official YouTube channel. As the first whistle blows on Saturday evening, the long wait ends, and the race to crown new champions officially begins.
