Breaking News: The second edition of the revamped Hockey India League (HIL) concluded on Monday with Kalinga Lancers crowned champions after defeating Ranchi Royals in the final at Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium. Earlier this month, the women’s HIL (WHIL) also wrapped up, with SG Pipers lifting the trophy in a four-team event.
The tournaments brought exciting hockey, with world-class foreign players impressing fans, while several Indian players made their mark. However, there are lessons to be learned to make the next editions bigger, better, and more competitive.
High-Quality Matches and Entertaining Hockey
Even though players from the Netherlands, considered the world’s best in both men’s and women’s hockey, were absent, the league still delivered high-quality matches. Most games were closely contested, offering fans plenty of entertainment.
Key Points:
- Top players from Belgium, Australia, Argentina, and England participated, raising the standard of the games.
- Matches were competitive, helping the league maintain its excitement.
- The league retained its value as a platform for Indian players to face international talent.
For the women’s league, missing Dutch stars was a concern, but it did not affect the overall standards. In fact, the Indian youngsters benefited most from this exposure, gaining experience against top players in a domestic tournament.
Stars of the League: Indian Players Shine
Several Indian players stood out, showing they are ready for bigger challenges. In the women’s WHIL, goalkeeper Bansari Solanki played a vital role in SG Pipers’ success. Her performances could help propel her career further, offering inspiration for young goalkeepers in the country.
Men’s League Spotlight: Amandeep Lakra
Among the men, Amandeep Lakra impressed the most. The 23-year-old dragflicker from Odisha, playing for Hyderabad Toofans, scored nine goals this season, stepping up in the absence of Gonzalo Peillat.
- Last season, Lakra scored five goals from penalty corners, but this year he delivered even more under pressure.
- His performance caught the attention of national team coach Craig Fulton, who hinted at including him for upcoming FIH Pro League matches in Rourkela and Hobart.
- With the 2026 World Cup and Asian Games approaching, India needs a reliable dragflicker behind Harmanpreet Singh, and Lakra is in a strong position to take that role.
Lakra himself said during the HIL: “I have to prove myself because the coaches are watching. If I do well, I can get called up.” He certainly proved his worth this season.
Women’s HIL Needs More Matches
Even though the games were competitive, the Women’s HIL needs more matches. A total of just 13 games across four teams is too few if India wants to improve women’s hockey standards.
Challenges:
- Indian women’s hockey has regressed recently, failing to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
- China has overtaken India in Asia, highlighting the urgent need for more top-level exposure.
- Adding more teams or games would give young players more experience against strong opponents.
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey mentioned plans to expand WHIL, but last year’s winners, Odisha Warriors, withdrew from the 2025-26 season. If the board cannot find new teams, they could consider forming a franchise like HIL GC, similar to how the men’s league handled UP Rudras.
Viewership and Stadium Challenges
While the matches delivered on quality, viewership needs improvement. Both live audiences and broadcast numbers were lower than expected.
- In Chennai, many stadiums had empty stands during games, which was disappointing.
- In Ranchi, women’s matches drew good crowds, but men’s games did not have the same fan turnout.
Next season, Hockey India plans to host matches in Chandigarh or Delhi, which could attract larger crowds, especially from Punjab, home to many of India’s best players.
Marketing and Promotion:
- Franchises need to invest more in local promotions to draw audiences.
- Hockey India will focus on increasing central sponsorship to improve marketing and enhance visibility.
- Reduced franchise fees announced by Tirkey are positive, but promotion in host cities is crucial to attract fans.
Improving these areas will help the HIL grow in popularity, ensuring it reaches more viewers in Daily news highlights and Breaking News coverage.
Key Takeaways for Hockey India
The second edition of HIL offered many lessons:
- International Talent: Continue inviting top players from around the world to maintain high standards.
- Youth Development: Use the league as a platform to groom young Indian talent like Amandeep Lakra and Bansari Solanki.
- Women’s League Expansion: Add more teams and matches to boost standards for women’s hockey.
- Marketing and Promotion: Invest in stadium and broadcast promotion to grow viewership and fan engagement.
- Venue Strategy: Choosing cities with strong hockey culture will increase live attendance and visibility.
By focusing on these areas, Hockey India can make HIL a world-class event and a strong platform for both men’s and women’s hockey.
