The Women’s Hero Hockey India League (HIL) returns for its second season with a renewed sense of purpose and promise.
After a successful inaugural edition that re-established top-tier domestic league hockey for women in India, the 2025–26 season begins on December 28 in Ranchi, carrying bigger expectations, stronger squads and clearer competitive identities across teams.
What stands out immediately is the consolidation of Indian cores combined with more targeted international recruitment. Unlike the first season, where some teams were still finding balance, this edition feels more intentional. Every squad appears to have addressed last season’s shortcomings, making the title race far more open.
JSW Soorma Hockey Club: The benchmark setters
If there is a team carrying unfinished business, it is JSW Soorma Hockey Club. Table-toppers last season who fell short in the final, they once again look like the most complete unit on paper. Their biggest advantage remains goalkeeping. Savita, now a 300-cap veteran and reigning Goalkeeper of the Tournament, provides unmatched assurance, while junior India goalkeeper Nidhi adds depth.
Defensively, the mix of experience and continuity is strong. Australia’s Penny Squibb and Japan’s Shihori Oikawa bring composure and tactical discipline, while Jyoti last season’s Player of the Tournament remains the heartbeat of the backline. In midfield, co-captain Salima Tete anchors the side with her relentless work rate and leadership, supported by a blend of Indian and overseas experience including Sarah Robertson and Argentina’s Jimena Cedres.
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The biggest question for Soorma is goals. The departure of Charlotte Englebert, last season’s joint top scorer, leaves a void. Argentina’s Maria Jose Granatto, with 145 international goals, is expected to shoulder that responsibility alongside breakout Indian forward Sonam, who impressed as the top Indian scorer last year. If their forwards find rhythm early, Soorma will again be the team to beat.
Shrachi Bengal Tigers: Defence-first contenders
Shrachi Bengal Tigers enter the season with a clear identity: defensive solidity backed by elite experience. Their auction strategy underlined that intent, headlined by the record signing of Argentina’s Agustina Gorzelany. Alongside Valentina Raposo, the Olympic medallist duo gives the Tigers arguably the strongest defensive pairing in the league.
Add Gurjit Kaur’s penalty-corner threat and leadership, and the backline looks formidable. In midfield, the return of Sushila Chanu and the arrival of Monika finally getting her HIL opportunity provide control and experience, while Vandana Katariya leads the forward line with unmatched pedigree.
The challenge for Bengal Tigers will be cohesion in the middle third and consistency in finishing beyond Vandana. Their young forwards bring energy, but sustained attacking output will determine whether they move from contenders to champions.
Ranchi Royals: Home advantage and heart
Ranchi Royals may be the most emotionally compelling side this season. Playing all their matches at home, they are banking heavily on local support and regional identity. With Jharkhand stars Beauty Dung Dung and Sangita Kumari representing their home franchise, Ranchi could turn the venue into a fortress. On the field, the Royals boast a well-rounded squad. Bichu Devi strengthens goalkeeping, while Nikki Pradhan and Ishika Chaudhary provide defensive reliability. The midfield pairing of Neha Goyal and Olympic medallist Agostina Alonso gives the side balance and control.
Up front, the attacking mix is intriguing. Rutaja Dadaso Pisal returns after her heroics last season, joined by Argentina’s Agustina Albertario and a clutch of promising Indian youngsters including Sakshi Rana. The Royals’ success may hinge on how quickly their young forwards adapt to the intensity of the league, but with crowd backing, they are well placed to spring surprises.
After finishing bottom last season, Delhi SG Pipers have undergone the most visible transformation. Their focus has been clear: strengthen the Indian core and fix their goalscoring crisis. With just four goals last season, attacking improvement was non-negotiable.
The leadership trio of Navneet Kaur, Deepika and Udita defines this rebuild. Udita’s arrival secured at base price despite her stature significantly upgrades the defence, while Navneet and Deepika remain central to attacking plans. The addition of Uruguay’s prolific Maria Teresa Vianaache and Argentina’s Priscilla Jardel Mateos signals intent to be far more ruthless inside the circle.
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With Cristina Cosentino in goal and a balanced midfield featuring Kaitlin Nobbs and Juana Castellaro, the Pipers look far more competitive. Whether that translates into consistent wins will depend on converting dominance into goals a test they failed last season.
Beyond individual teams, the broader significance of the Women’s HIL continues to grow. Young Indian players are now regularly sharing dressing rooms with Olympic medallists and global stars, accelerating learning and confidence. For Indian hockey, this ecosystem is invaluable.
With improved squad depth, clearer tactical identities and packed international calendars behind many players, the 2025–26 Women’s Hero Hockey India League promises tighter matches and fewer easy points. From title favourites to homegrown challengers, this season feels less about establishment and more about evolution.
As the opening whistle blows in Ranchi, one thing is clear: women’s hockey in India is no longer building momentum it has it.
