Hockey India has officially opened registrations for the Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2026. According to the announcement, the registration window will begin at 5:00 PM on May 19, 2025, and close at 5:00 PM on August 20, 2025.
Following the successful 2024-25 season, which featured eight men’s teams and four women’s teams, the 2026 edition is expected to be even larger. Indian and international players from top hockey-playing nations are welcome to register and be part of the action-packed league.
Hero Hockey India League 2026
Hockey India has officially announced that the player registration process for the Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2026 has started. The announcement was made on Monday, May 19, 2025. Players who wish to participate in the league must complete their registration before the deadline, which is 5:00 PM IST on August 20, 2025.
The 2024-25 season of the Hockey India League marked a historic comeback after a seven-year break. More than 1,000 players registered for the men’s and women’s tournaments combined. This enthusiastic response from athletes highlighted the popularity and importance of the league in the world of hockey.
In that season, the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers won the men’s championship, while the Odisha Warriors secured the title in the women’s category. The league featured a total of eight teams in the men’s division and four teams in the women’s division, offering high-quality competition and exciting matches for fans.
Registrations for the 2026 season are open to all eligible Indian and international players. Hockey India has invited talented hockey players from across the globe to take part in the league. This creates a great opportunity for young and experienced players to showcase their skills on a big platform and learn from international stars.
Dr. Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India and Chairperson of the Hero HIL Governing Committee, shared his thoughts on the upcoming edition. He said:
“The Hero Hockey India League has been a game-changer for Indian hockey, and we are thrilled to continue its resurgence with the 2026 season. Last season’s response from players and fans was phenomenal, and we are confident that the upcoming edition will further elevate the standard of hockey in India while strengthening our international collaborations.”
The Hero Hockey India League is not just a tournament. It plays a big role in improving the level of hockey in India. It gives young players a chance to play with and learn from some of the best in the world. It also attracts fans, media, and sponsors, helping to grow the sport in the country.
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Hero Hockey India League 2026 Registration
Player registrations for the Hero Hockey India League 2026 are now open. Eligible Indian and international players can apply within the given timeframe. Check the important registration dates below.
| Event | Date | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Opens | 19 May 2025 | 5:00 PM |
| Registration Closes | 20 August 2025 | 5:00 PM |
Eligible Nations for Hero Hockey India League 2026
Players from several top hockey-playing nations are eligible to register for the Hero Hockey India League 2026. Check the full list of countries allowed for both men’s and women’s categories below:
| Men’s Category | Women’s Category |
|---|---|
| India | India |
| Netherlands | Netherlands |
| Belgium | Argentina |
| United Kingdom | Belgium |
| Germany | China |
| France | Australia |
| Australia | Germany |
| Spain | Spain |
| Argentina | United Kingdom |
| Ireland | New Zealand |
| South Africa | Ireland |
| New Zealand | Chile |
| Malaysia | Japan |
| South Korea | USA |
| Scotland |
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Hero Hockey India League 2026 FAQs
Q.1. When does the registration for Hero Hockey India League 2026 start and end?
Ans. The registration starts at 5:00 PM on May 19, 2025, and ends at 5:00 PM on August 20, 2025.
Q.2. Who can register for the Hero Hockey India League 2026?
Ans. Eligible Indian and international players from top hockey-playing nations can register for the league.
Q.3. How many teams participated in the last HIL season?
Ans. The 2024–25 season featured eight men’s teams and four women’s teams.
Q.4. Which teams won the 2024–25 Hero Hockey India League?
Ans. The Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers won the men’s title, while the Odisha Warriors won the women’s championship.
Q.5. Why is the Hero Hockey India League important for Indian hockey?
Ans. HIL helps elevate Indian hockey by providing a platform for players to gain international exposure and improve their skills.
