Ranchi: Hero Hockey India League (HIL) announced the schedule for its 2025-26 season on Saturday, marking the start of another exciting chapter in India’s premier hockey competition. The announcement was made at a press conference held at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh AstroTurf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi.
The event was graced by Sudivya Kumar, Minister of Tourism, Art, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, Jharkhand Government, along with Bhola Nath Singh, Secretary General of Hockey India and member of the Hero Hockey India League Governing Committee, Alvish M.A., owner of Ranchi Royals, and celebrated hockey players including Mandeep Singh, Ashish Tani Purti, Sangeeta Kumari, Deepika Soreng, Nikki Pradhan, and Beauty Dung Dung.
Adding to the excitement, Ranchi Royals unveiled their official logo, symbolizing the team’s vibrant spirit and strong connection to Jharkhand’s rich hockey heritage. The men’s league will take place across Chennai, Ranchi, and Bhubaneswar, while the women’s league will return entirely to Ranchi following last year’s successful format.
Men’s Hero HIL will kick off on January 3, 2026, at Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai, with an opening clash between home team Tamil Nadu Dragons and Hyderabad Storm, launching nearly a month of world-class hockey action. Eight teams will compete in the men’s league: Tamil Nadu Dragons, Hyderabad Storm, JSW Surma Hockey Club, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers (defending champions), Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, Ranchi Royals, SG Pipers, and HIL Governing Council.
Meanwhile, women’s Hero HIL will start on December 28, 2025, at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda AstroTurf Stadium in Ranchi, with the opening match between Ranchi Royals and SG Pipers. The four participating teams—Ranchi Royals, SG Pipers, JSW Surma Hockey Club, and Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers—will compete in a week of highly competitive matches.