The Hockey India League men’s and women’s schedules were announced on Saturday with the men’s event taking place from January 3 to January 26th across Chennai, Ranchi and Bhubaneswar. The women’s event, which will be following a round-robin format between four teams that will face each other twice, will begin on December 28 and end on January 10th.
The men’s league will feature eight teams Tamil Nadu Dragons, Hyderabad Toofans, JSW Soorma Hockey Club, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, Ranchi Royals, SG Pipers and the HIL Governing council, which is operating as a team after the exit of UP Rudras. The eight teams will face each other once in a single round robin format with four of the top teams progressing to the playoffs. The opening leg games will be from January 3-9 in Chennai. The action will then shift to Ranchi for the second leg from January 11-16 followed by the final leg in Bhubaneswar from January 17-26.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧! 💪🏻
The Hockey India League 2025-26 Men’s Schedule is here! 🏑🔥
Get ready from 3rd January 2026 to 26 January 2026 as the top men’s teams hit the turf for an action-packed season! 🏆#HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame #HockeyIndiaLeague… pic.twitter.com/qdmlK3yjhI
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) October 25, 2025
The knockout stage will be the first qualifier and the eliminator on January 23, followed by the second qualifier on January 25. The final and the 3/4th place match will be held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on January 26th.
28
Days of Non-Stop Hockey Action
Men’s League
Duration 24 Days
Matches 33 Games
Teams 8 Teams
Dates Jan 3-26
Women’s League
Duration 14 Days
Matches 13 Games
Teams 4 Teams
Dates Dec 28-Jan 10
Indian Express InfoGenIE
The league, which has been plagued by financial concerns and player pullouts, will not have any franchise fee for three seasons starting from the third season. This was done by Hockey India to reduce the financial burden on teams.
𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧!🏆
Get ready for thrilling matchups as the Hockey India League 2025-26 Women’s Schedule is officially here! 🏑🔥
Mark your calendars from 28th December 2025 to 10th January 2026, as top women’s teams battle it out for glory! 🏆… pic.twitter.com/RrDYrO8Y4p
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) October 25, 2025
“The expanding fan base, and the inclusion of top international players have elevated the league to global standards. This season will not only showcase elite hockey but also inspire the next generation of players across the country,” said Hockey India League Governing Committee chairperson Dilip Tirkey.
The women’s league will consist of a total of 13 matches while the men’s league will be a 33-game competition. Players from countries like Argentina, Belgium, Germany, England, Spain, and Australia will be part of the latest HIL season. But top players from some of these leading countries will not be a part of the season as they didn’t receive clearances from their country owing to a packed schedule.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
