This will be the second edition of the Hockey India League since its return.
Hockey India General Secretary Bhola Nath Singh has confirmed that the Hockey India League (HIL) 2026 season will begin on January 5. The revamped Hockey India League returned last year after a seven-year hiatus and was held from December 28 to February 1, 2025.
The upcoming edition of the HIL will continue to be an eight-team affair in the men’s event, while the women’s competition will see an addition of two new teams. The venues for the tournament are yet to be finalized, but the dates have been agreed upon after consulting the foreign players who wanted to play the league after celebrating Christmas at home.
“The HIL window is fixed, and the men’s HIL will continue to be an eight-team competition, but the women’s HIL will be of six teams from four from next year. The venues are yet not decided but we are in consultation with all stakeholders and soon we will have an update,” the HI general secretary was quoted as saying by PTI during a program at a private university.
“Looking into the sentiments of foreign players and their Christmas celebrations, we have decided the next HIL will be from January 5,” he added.
Hockey India opened the player registration for HIL 2026 on May 19. Players from around 20 nations are eligible to register for the player auction before the window closes on August 20. Last year, 1000+ players had registered for the HIL player auction and the upcoming edition is expected to attract more players.
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Who won the previous edition of Hockey India League?
The previous edition of the Hockey India League was played across the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela and the Jaipal Singh Stadium in Ranchi.
In the Men’s HIL, Rarh Bengal Tigers won the tournament, defeating Hyderabad Toofans 4-3 to lift the title, while Soorma Hockey Club and Tamil Nadu Dragons secured the third and fourth places, respectively.
Meanwhile, Odisha Warriors bagged a 2-1 victory against Soorma Hockey Club in the summit clash of the Women’s HIL to win the inaugural edition of the tournament.
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