Hockey India League Governing Council takes over UP Rudras for 2026 Season
The Hero Hockey India League (HIL) Governing Council has announced that it will take over the operations of the UP Rudras franchise for the 2026 season. The move ensures that Rudras players will remain part of the competition and that the tournament’s competitive balance is preserved. The Council will oversee the team’s management and day-to-day affairs until new ownership is secured and has indicated that it is open to discussions with interested buyers.
The HIL, India’s premier hockey competition for men and women, was first launched in 2013. Despite a promising start, it struggled to generate sustainable revenues and was suspended in 2017, only returning in 2024–25 after a seven-year hiatus. The men’s league currently features franchises such as Tamil Nadu Dragons, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, Hyderabad Toofans, SG Pipers, and JSW Soorma Hockey Club, while the women’s competition includes Odisha Warriors, Rarh Bengal Tigers, SG Pipers, and Soorma Hockey Club, with corporate backers like JSW Sports, Vedanta, Shrachi Group, and SG Sports driving the revival.
The Rudras’ temporary exit came soon after Team Gonasika (men’s) and Odisha Warriors (women’s) withdrew last month, citing personal reasons. The Warriors’ absence is especially notable, having won the inaugural edition of the relaunched league in January 2025 with a 2–1 victory over Soorma Hockey Club. With UP Rudras now under league control, the men’s competition heads into 2026 with six teams.
Published on Sep 24, 2025