Exciting Season Ahead for Men's Hockey India League

The Men's Hockey India League is about to commence, featuring the HIL Governing Council Team and Kalinga Lancers, both eager to secure playoff positions. With a mix of seasoned international players and talented Indian athletes, the teams are set for an exciting season. The HIL Governing Council Team will face SG Pipers on January 5, while Kalinga Lancers will compete against Ranchi Royals on January 4. Key players to watch include Captain Hardik Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, and Sam Ward for the HIL GC, and Arthur Van Doren and Dilpreet Singh for the Lancers. Stay tuned for thrilling matches ahead!

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 29, 2025, 16:33 IST

Men's Hockey India League Set to Begin

New Delhi, Dec 29: The Men's Hockey India League (HIL) is gearing up for another thrilling season, with the HIL Governing Council Team and Kalinga Lancers aiming for strong starts and playoff spots. Both teams feature a blend of experienced international players and skilled Indian athletes.

In a move to ensure stability for players and support staff, the HIL Governing Council Team took over operational control from the UP Rudras franchise ahead of the 2026 season.

The HIL Governing Council Team will launch their season on January 5 against SG Pipers, led by Captain Hardik, who will oversee a squad that balances youth and experience. The goalkeeping duties will be handled by reliable players like James Mazarelo from England and Prashant Kumar Chauhan. The defense will be anchored by seasoned players such as Surender Kumar, boasting 178 international caps, and Kane Russell, who has over 200 senior caps for New Zealand. Additional defensive support comes from James Albery of Great Britain, along with India's Prasant Barla, Jasjit Singh Kular, Mohammad Harris, and Talem Priyobarta.

In the midfield, Captain Hardik Singh will lead alongside Manmeet Singh, who recently scored six goals during the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup held in India. The midfield will also feature Rahul Yadav and Ireland's experienced Daragh Walsh.

The forward line includes notable players like Lalit Kumar Upadhyay and British forward Sam Ward, who have netted 67 and 216 senior international goals, respectively, making them key figures in the HIL GC's attack. They will be joined by Gurjot Singh, Sudeep Chirmako, and Ajeet Yadav, along with Belgium's Tanguy Cosyns and New Zealand's Simon Yorston, adding further strength to the offense.

Kalinga Lancers will once again depend on a robust defense and international expertise as they seek to improve upon their sixth-place finish from the previous season. In goal, they have options like India's top goalkeeper Krishan B Pathak and Australia's Jed Snowden, both providing solid coverage.

Their defense features a strong Belgian trio: co-captain Arthur Van Doren, Alexander Hendrickx, and Antoine Kina, all of whom bring extensive experience. Co-Captain Sanjay's leadership and drag-flicking abilities are crucial to the team's strategy, supported by players like Sunil PB, Pratap Lakra, and Rohit Kullu.

The midfield will include Australia's promising duo Liam Henderson and Craig Marias, along with India's Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem, Amit Kumar Toppo, and Rosan Kujur. Up front, the Lancers boast a dynamic attacking lineup featuring some of India's top talents—Dilpreet Singh, Boby Singh Dhami, Angad Bir Singh, and Gursahibjit Singh—alongside Australia's Cooper Burns.

Kalinga Lancers will kick off their HIL campaign against Ranchi Royals on January 4, 2026, in Chennai.

HIL Governing Council Team Roster:

James Mazarelo (Great Britain), Prashant Kumar Chauhan, James Albery (Great Britain), Jasjit Singh Kular, Mohammad Haris, Surender Kumar, Kane Russell (New Zealand), Prasant Barla, Talem Priyobarta, Hardik Singh, Manmeet Singh, Rahul Yadav, Daragh Walsh (Ireland), Simon Yorston (New Zealand), Ajeet Yadav, Sudeep Chirmako, Sam Ward (Great Britain), Tanguy Cosyns (Belgium), Gurjot Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay.

Kalinga Lancers Roster:

Jed Snowden (Australia), Krishan B Pathak, Sunil PB, Antoine Kina (Belgium), Pratap Lakra, Arthur Van Doren (Belgium), Rohit Kullu, Alexander Hendrickx (Belgium), Sanjay, Craig Marais (Australia), Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem, Amit Kumar Toppo, Liam Henderson (Australia), Rosan Kujur, Gursahibjit Singh, Cooper Burns (Australia), Angad Bir Singh, Deepak Pradhan, Dilpreet Singh, Boby Singh Dhami.