The Hockey India League (HIL) 2025–26 season is set to begin on Dec 28 with the women’s event in Ranchi, followed by the men’s competition from Jan 3.
The women’s tournament will be staged entirely in Ranchi, featuring four teams — Ranchi Royals, SG Pipers, Soorma Hockey Club and Rarh Bengal Tigers.
The event will follow a double round-robin format, with each team playing the others twice. The top two sides will contest the final on Jan 10.
The men’s competition, comprising 33 matches, will be spread across Chennai, Ranchi and Bhubaneswar, taking in matches at each city before the final at the latter.
The opening match, on January 3 at Chennai’s Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, will see home team Tamil Nadu Dragons take on Hyderabad Toofans.
Eight teams will compete: Tamil Nadu Dragons, Hyderabad Toofans, Soorma Hockey Club, defending champions Rarh Bengal Tigers, Kalinga Lancers, Ranchi Royals, SG Pipers and the HIL Governing Council team, which temporarily replaces the UP Rudras franchise after its owners’ exit.
Each men’s side will face every other team once in a single round-robin format before the top four advance to the playoffs.
The knockout stage will take place in Bhubaneswar. The season will culminate with the final on Jan 26 at the Kalinga Stadium.
The HIL continues to grapple with stability issues.
Since its return last season, the league has faced franchise withdrawals, inconsistent sponsorship and logistical challenges. Team Gonasika (men’s) and Odisha Warriors (women’s), both part of the 2024–25 edition, have pulled out.
