The second season of the Women’s Hero Hockey India League is ready to begin and aims to raise the level of women’s hockey even further. The tournament will run from 28 December 2025 to 10 January 2026 in Ranchi. Organisers are building on the strong response from the first season, which saw full stands and competitive matches.

Once again, the league will feature India’s best hockey players alongside leading international stars. The entire season will be played in a compact schedule designed to deliver fast, high-quality hockey throughout the tournament.

Venue, Teams and Format

All matches will take place at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi. Four franchises will compete for the title. These are Ranchi Royals, SG Pipers, JSW Soorma Hockey Club, and Shrachi Bengal Tigers.

The tournament will follow a double round-robin format. Each team will face the other sides twice during the league stage. After that, the top two teams will qualify for the Grand Final, which will be held on 10 January 2026.

Looking Back at the First Season

In the inaugural season, Odisha Warriors lifted the title after a closely fought campaign. JSW Soorma Hockey Club finished as runners-up after pushing hard in the final.

As the new season begins, JSW Soorma Hockey Club is especially motivated. The team topped the league stage last year but narrowly missed out on the title. This time, they are determined to go one step further.

Fans can also expect high-quality competition from international players representing hockey powerhouses such as the Netherlands, Argentina, Belgium, Australia, Spain, and Great Britain.

Home Hopes and Rising Contenders

Ranchi Royals will look to make full use of home support and aim for the title in front of their fans. At the same time, Shrachi Bengal Tigers and SG Pipers are eager to improve on their performances after finishing third and fourth respectively in the previous season.

With all teams strengthened and motivated, the new season promises a tight and competitive race.

Opening Match and Tournament Expectations

The opening match of the season will see Ranchi Royals take on SG Pipers under lights on 28 December 2025. This clash is expected to set the tone for 13 days of top-level women’s hockey played in front of passionate crowds in Jharkhand.

Across 13 matches, the league is expected to showcase fast-paced and attacking hockey. Importantly, it will also provide a valuable platform for young Indian players to test themselves against some of the world’s best athletes.

Boost for Indian Hockey and Future Generations

The second season of the Women’s Hero Hockey India League aims to strengthen India’s standing as a global hockey destination. At the same time, it hopes to inspire young girls across the country to take up the sport and dream of playing at the highest level.

Captains Share Their Expectations

Ahead of the tournament, Ranchi Royals Captain Nikki Pradhan expressed pride in starting the season at home. She said, “We are proud to begin the new season on home turf in Ranchi, where the passion for hockey is unmatched. Our group is excited to set the tone for the league with fearless, attacking hockey from the very first whistle. As captain, my focus is on creating a tight, trusting unit where every player feels empowered to express herself. If we stick to our structure and enjoy the big moments, the results will take care of themselves.”

SG Pipers Captain Navneet Kaur highlighted her team’s renewed focus and preparation. She stated, "There is a bounce-back mindset within the SG Pipers group this season, and that intent has been visible from the start. The squad is balanced with a blend of international experience and Indian players, which provides depth across positions. Training under Sofie Gierts is structured and demanding. The sessions are clear in purpose, focusing on discipline, defensive organisation, and collective responsibility. This has created an environment where players are competitive and aligned with the direction the team is taking."

JSW Soorma Hockey Club Captain Savita said the pain of last season has strengthened the team’s resolve. She said, “Coming so close to the title last season has only sharpened our resolve. JSW Soorma Hockey Club has unfinished business in this league, and we are determined to turn last year’s pain into this year’s motivation. We want to inspire fans with our style of hockey and show that Soorma can finish the job this time.”

Salima Tete Shared her confidence

The team’s Co-Captain Salima Tete also shared her confidence, saying, "For us, it’s about playing with intent every minute. We have the quality across the squad, and if we stay disciplined, control the midfield and back ourselves in key moments, we believe we can go all the way this season."

Meanwhile, Shrachi Bengal Tigers Captain Vandana Katariya spoke about her team’s identity and ambition. She said, “This is a special group with a strong Bengal identity and a real hunger to prove ourselves against the best. The Tigers will bring speed, flair and a lot of heart to every contest. We respect every opponent, but we fear none. If we stay brave on the ball, defend as a unit and keep our composure in crunch moments, Shrachi Bengal Tigers can be a serious contender for the title.”

Broadcast and Live Streaming Details

All matches of the Hero Hockey India League will be shown live on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3, and DD Sports. Fans can also watch the games through live streaming on Waves and the Hockey India League YouTube channel.