Hockey India League is a professional field hockey league in India. It is organized by Hockey India, the governing body for the sport in India. It is considered one of the major sports leagues of the country.
It was founded in 2013 as a part of Hockey India’s attempt to develop an International Hockey Federation sanctioned league after the un-sanctioned World Series Hockey, began in 2012. The first season took place in 2013. It proved to be a financial success for Hockey India, who were in financial disarray before the league began. In 2015, it was reported that the federation earned a profit from multiple revenues.
The most recent champions of the league are Odisha Warriors in the women’s edition and Rarh Bengal Tigers in the men’s edition.
The first match was played on 14 January 2013, as Delhi Waveriders defeated the Punjab Warriors 2–1 at the Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
The inaugural season ended with Ranchi Rhinos being the first champions, defeating the Delhi Waveriders 2–1 in the final. The league was considered a success immediately in the years following the inaugural season.
Before the beginning of the second season, Kalinga Lancers were announced as the sixth team in the Hockey India League. However, after the 2014 season, the league suffered its first setback when the Mumbai Magicians disbanded.
The team was swiftly replaced though with Dabang Mumbai being launched before the 2015 season. The league though suffered another setback before the 2015 season when Ranchi Rhinos, the inaugural champions, were disbanded after an ownership problem. The team though, like with Mumbai, was quickly replaced with Ranchi Rays.
Seven years later, Hockey India League was revived with its 2024–25 edition.
Meanwhile, Soorma Hockey Club, Delhi SG Pipers, Odisha Warriors and Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers were the four teams that were a part of the inaugural edition of the women’s Hockey India League in 2024-25.
Also Read: Top 10 Most Expensive Players In History Of Hockey India League
Hockey India League: List of champions- Men
| Edition | Winner | Runners-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Ranchi Rhinos | Delhi Waveriders |
| 2014 | Delhi Waveriders | Punjab Warriors |
| 2015 | Ranchi Rays | Punjab Warriors |
| 2016 | Punjab Warriors | Kalinga Lancers |
| 2017 | Kalinga Lancers | Dabang Mumbai |
| 2024-25 | Rarh Bengal Tigers | Hyderabad Toofans |
Hockey India League: List of champions- Women
| Edition | Winner | Runners-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | Odisha Warriors | Soorma Hockey Club |
