Hockey India League 2025–26 Returns with Revised Format Amid Operational Challenges

The Hockey India League (HIL) 2025–26 season will commence with the women's tournament in Ranchi on December 28, featuring four teams competing in a double round-robin format, followed by the men's competition starting January 3 across Chennai, Ranchi, and Bhubaneswar. The men's league includes eight teams playing a single round-robin before the top four advance to playoffs, culminating in a final at Kalinga Stadium on January 26. Despite its return, the HIL faces ongoing challenges such as franchise withdrawals and sponsorship instability. Concurrently, Indian hockey celebrates its centenary, reflecting on a rich legacy highlighted by 13 Olympic medals and the contributions of unsung heroes behind the scenes, as emphasized by M.M. Somaya, a three-time Olympian and 1980 gold medalist. Somaya highlights the importance of institutions like Indian Railways and the Armed Forces in supporting the sport's ecosystem alongside the athletes. This milestone not only honors past achievements but also the foundational support that has sustained Indian hockey's global prominence.