Men’s Hockey India League 2026 Begins: Bengal Tigers Defend Title Amid Tough Competition

The Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2026 is set to return with high expectations, intense rivalries and a packed calendar as the tournament begins on January 3 in Chennai. Defending champions Shrachi Bengal Tigers enter the season as favourites, but face a stiff challenge from seven well-balanced teams eyeing the crown.

The opening phase of the tournament will be held at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Egmore, Chennai, before moving to Ranchi and finally Bhubaneswar, which will host the playoffs and the grand final on January 26, coinciding with Republic Day celebrations. Hockey India’s decision to take the league across multiple cities aims to strengthen grassroots engagement and expand the league’s national footprint.

The season opener will see Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons face Hyderabad Toofans. The Toofans, who finished runners-up last season after a narrow loss to the Bengal Tigers in the final, will be eager to go one step further. The Dragons, meanwhile, will look to improve on last year’s campaign after narrowly missing a podium finish.

Unlike the previous edition, the 2026 season will follow a single round-robin format. The top four teams on the points table will qualify for the playoffs. The top two teams will clash in Qualifier 1, with the winner advancing directly to the final. The losing side will get another chance in Qualifier 2, while the teams placed third and fourth will compete in the Eliminator.

Apart from the Bengal Tigers, the league features JSW Soorma Hockey Club, SG Pipers, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, Ranchi Royals, HIL GC, and the Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons and Hyderabad Toofans.

The league boasts a strong mix of Indian and international stars. Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh will lead JSW Soorma Hockey Club, while Manpreet Singh turns out for Ranchi Royals and Hardik Singh represents HIL GC. Veteran defender Rupinder Pal Singh makes his competitive return with SG Pipers.

The international contingent adds further depth, with players such as Tom Boon, Arthur Van Doren, Alexander Hendrickx and Sam Ward expected to make a significant impact.

With a competitive format, global star power and a travelling league structure, the Men’s Hockey India League 2026 promises high-octane action and a stern test for the reigning champions as they aim to defend their title against an evenly matched field.