Indian stars aim to take lessons from HIL into World Cup, Asian Games

The second iteration of the revamped men’s Hockey India League (HIL) begins in Chennai from Saturday and Soorma Hockey Club captain Harmanpreet Singh said the competition will be a springboard from the younger generation to test their wares against the best players from the world.

“We have been in this league since we were juniors. The players we wanted to see, we played with them and shared the dressing room, shared the field with them. It was a big thing for us. I think we have grown from there. It is the same moment for them. They can learn, they can build their confidence,” Harmanpreet said during a pre-tournament press conference featuring all eight captains.

The second season of the HIL has been condensed, with each team playing seven games, as compared to 10 last season.

READ | HIL 2025-26 season preview: New teams, old questions and a crucial chapter for Indian Hockey

Another change incorporated this time is the modified playoffs schedule. The teams finishing top two will get an additional shot at making the final. The teams that end third and fourth have to win two games to play the final.

Further, this year’s campaign will be spread across three cities – Chennai, Ranchi and Bhubaneswar, growing from the inaugural leg, which was played in Rourkela and a handful of matches in Ranchi. Harmanpreet added that expanding the league to other parts of India will help it groom more fans.

“Last time, we played in only one city and only one crowd supported us. It is good that we are going to multiple cities. HIL will only grow with this.

“As for our team, we learnt a lot last season and this time with a lot of newer players we are ready to do well. We fell just short last time and hopefully we can go all the way, along with enjoying hockey as well,” said Harmanpreet.

The captains of Hockey India League teams posing at the pre-tournament press conference.
| Photo Credit:
B. Jothi Ramalingam

Hardik Singh, captain of HIL Governing Council team, erstwhile UP Rudras, said the league will also tend to India’s national ambitions, giving the players a chance to hone their skills in a fast-paced, high-stakes competition before a packed international calendar.

“This year is very important for us. We have the World Cup and then within a couple of weeks we play the Asian Games. We can hopefully learn from here and apply it with the Indian team,” Hardik said.

Jarmanpreet Singh, captain of SG Pipers, added that getting to play with overseas stars bring the Indians up to speed with their tactics and routine.

“You play with different players. You play with foreigners. You get to know about them. So, I think the Hockey India League will help us a lot in terms of how we can prepare well, how we can improve our skills, and how we can get new players to come and play with us,” Jarmanpreet said.

Kalinga Lancers’ Sanjay is the ideal example of a young player lapping up opportunities at the HIL. At just 23, he has been picked to co-captain the team with Belgium legend Arthur van Doren.

“This is the best for Indian players. Learning from internationals here gets you confidence. You can then carry that once you are in the senior national team. I will continue to do that even now. Van Doren is such a senior player, I observed him a lot last season too on how he handled himself under pressure. I will do the same even now,” Sanjay said.

Tamil Nadu Dragons will take on Hyderabad Toofans in the opening fixture at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium on Saturday. The caravan will head to Ranchi on January 11 before moving to its final stop in Bhubaneswar on January 17 for the home stretch and the playoffs.

Published on Jan 02, 2026