Excitement Builds for the Second Season of Women's Hockey India League in Ranchi
Women's Hockey India League Set to Elevate the Game
The second season of the Women's Hockey India League is poised to raise the bar for women's hockey, commencing in Ranchi from December 28 to January 10. Following the success of its inaugural season, which featured enthusiastic crowds and thrilling matches, this upcoming edition will once again showcase India's finest talent alongside prominent international players in a compact, high-energy format.
Hosted exclusively at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium, the league will feature four franchises: Ranchi Royals, SG Pipers, JSW Soorma Hockey Club, and Shrachi Bengal Tigers, all competing for the championship title. The tournament will adopt a double round-robin structure, allowing each team to face the others twice before the top two advance to the Grand Final on January 10, 2026.
Last season, the Odisha Warriors emerged victorious in the inaugural Women's Hero Hockey India League, with JSW Soorma Hockey Club finishing as runners-up in a tightly contested final. This season promises another fierce competition, particularly with JSW Soorma Hockey Club eager to improve upon their previous performance after leading the league stage but falling short in the final match. Fans can anticipate thrilling performances from both Indian internationals and global stars hailing from hockey powerhouses like the Netherlands, Argentina, Belgium, Australia, Spain, and Great Britain.
Ranchi Royals will look to leverage their home advantage, while Shrachi Bengal Tigers and SG Pipers are also determined to claim the coveted title after finishing third and fourth, respectively, last season.
The opening match will feature the Ranchi Royals facing off against SG Pipers under the lights on December 28, setting the stage for 13 days of elite women's hockey in front of passionate fans in Jharkhand. With 13 matches scheduled, the league is expected to deliver fast-paced, attacking hockey and provide a valuable opportunity for young Indian players to compete against some of the world's best.
This second season of the Women's Hockey India League aims to further solidify India's status as a global hub for top-tier hockey and inspire the next generation of girls to engage with the sport.
Ranchi Royals Captain Nikki Pradhan expressed her enthusiasm ahead of the competition, stating, 'We are thrilled to kick off the new season on our home turf in Ranchi, where the love for hockey is unparalleled. Our team is eager to set the tone for the league with bold, attacking play right from the start. As captain, I aim to foster a cohesive and trusting environment where every player feels empowered to shine. If we adhere to our strategy and embrace the significant moments, the outcomes will follow.'
SG Pipers Captain Navneet Kaur shared her insights, noting, 'There is a strong bounce-back mentality within the SG Pipers this season, which has been evident from the outset. Our squad is well-balanced, combining international experience with local talent, providing depth in every position. Under Sofie Gierts' structured and demanding training, we focus on discipline, defensive organization, and collective accountability, fostering a competitive spirit aligned with our team's vision.'
JSW Soorma Hockey Club Captain Savita remarked, 'Having come so close to the title last season has only intensified our determination. We have unfinished business in this league, and we are committed to transforming last year's disappointment into motivation for this year. We aim to inspire our fans with our style of play and demonstrate that Soorma can achieve success this time around.'
Co-Captain Salima Tete added, 'For us, it's crucial to play with intent at every moment. We possess the quality throughout our squad, and if we maintain discipline, control the midfield, and trust ourselves in critical situations, we believe we can go all the way this season.'
Shrachi Bengal Tigers Captain Vandana Katariya stated, 'This is a unique group with a strong Bengal identity and a genuine desire to compete against the best. The Tigers will bring speed, flair, and heart to every match. We respect all our opponents, but we fear none. If we remain courageous with the ball, defend as a cohesive unit, and maintain our composure in crucial moments, Shrachi Bengal Tigers can be serious contenders for the title.'