Chennai, Jan 3 (IANS) Soorma Hockey Club captain Harmanpreet Singh has said his side is fully prepared and eager for the challenge as they gear up to face reigning champions Bengal Tigers in their opening match of the Hockey India League (HIL) on Sunday.With the core of last season’s squad remaining unchanged, Soorma’s preparations have centred more on refinement than rebuilding. The emphasis in training has been on disciplined defending, effective transition management against elite opposit…
Latest Hockey India League News & Updates
New Delhi, Jan 1 (IANS) After a year of notable accomplishments, the Indian Hockey team is set to begin 2026 with a busy schedule that includes several major international tournaments. They will compete in the FIH Men’s World Cup and aim to defend their Asian Games title in Japan, making the upcoming year primarily focused on key international matches. The second season of the Hockey India League (HIL), now revived successfully, will kick off the new year. The Women’s HIL concludes on January …
New Delhi, Jan 1 (IANS) As the Hockey India League (HIL) 2026 season draws closer, the Ranchi Royals and Tamil Nadu Dragons are taking shape, each with a clear tactical identity. While the Royals are built around speed, versatility and attacking transitions, the Dragons have focused on a solid defensive unit backed by top-class goalkeeping and reliable penalty-corner options.Ranchi Royals enter the league as the newest franchise, replacing the former Team Gonasika, and have assembled a squad tha…
Ranchi, Dec 29 (IANS) For the women’s team of Soorma Hockey Club, the new season doesn’t begin with big declarations – it starts with familiarity, trust and a group that knows how close it came. As they take the field for their first match of the Hockey India League 2025-26, against Shrachi Bengal Tigers on Monday, Soorma are focused less on making statements and more on settling into their rhythm.After topping the points table in the inaugural season before narrowly missing out in the fin…
New Delhi, Dec 27 (IANS) As the Hockey India League (HIL) gears up for its second edition in its new innings on January 3 at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai, India’s ace midfielder Hardik Singh has shared his thoughts on leadership, recognition, and the challenges that lie ahead.In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Hardik touched upon everything from his Khel Ratna recommendation to the pressures of captaincy and the learning opportunities the HIL presents.Asked about how …
New Delhi, Dec 27 (IANS) Indian women’s hockey stalwart Savita Punia is in a reflective yet determined phase of her career as he prepares herself for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.Speaking exclusively to IANS ahead of the Hockey India League (HIL) season with Soorma Hockey Club, the experienced goalkeeper opened up about her retirement plans, evolving relationship with Rani Rampal, the rise of young talent, leadership dynamics and her hopes for World Cup qualification.Soorma had a strong s…
New Delhi, Dec 25 (IANS) Tickets for the forthcoming men’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26 in Chennai, starting January 3, went live on Thursday. Hockey India has decided to make tickets free of cost to encourage more fans to attend matches.The Women’s HIL begins on December 28 in Ranchi and ends on January 10, while the Men’s HIL begins on January 3 in Chennai, moves to Ranchi from January 11, and the final leg is held in the cradle of hockey – Bhubaneswar – from January 17 to January…
New Delhi, Dec 25 (IANS) After an illustrious playing career, former India women’s hockey team captain Rani Rampal has stepped into a new role, this time from the sidelines. In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Rani opened up about her transition from player to coach, the challenges of managing diverse personalities, her vision for Soorma Hockey Club at the Hockey India League (HIL) 2026, and what it’s like working alongside long-time teammate Savita Punia in a mentor’s role. For Rani, …
Chennai, Dec 24 (IANS) The Soorma Hockey Club on Wednesday brought together legends of the game, current internationals, and young academy players for a special event in Chennai that celebrated both heritage and the future of the sport. On the occasion, the Hockey India League (HIL) side also unveiled its new jersey for the upcoming 2026 season.Held at the Ramchandra University Ground, the event unfolded not as a formal showcase but as a shared hockey experience—one where students, fans, media…
Ranchi, Dec 24 (IANS) SG Pipers Head Coach Sofie Gierts has expressed her admiration for the quality and fearlessness of the young Indian players in her squad, describing their natural ability and mindset as a major positive in the team’s early preparations ahead of the Hockey India League 2025–26, scheduled from December 28, 2025, to January 10, 2026. Reflecting on the first few days of training, Sofie highlighted the confidence and instinctive play of rising talents such as Ishika and Sune…