Men’s Hero Hockey India League Returns: Chennai Gears Up for High-Octane Start as Tamil Nadu Dragons Face Hyderabad Toofans – 2026
Chennai, January 3, 2026: The long wait for Indian hockey fans finally comes to an end as the Men’s Hero Hockey India League (HIL) makes its highly anticipated return on Saturday, January 3(Today), with hosts Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons taking on Hyderabad Toofans at the iconic Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, Egmore.
This marks the second edition of the revived Men’s HIL, and expectations are sky-high as eight franchises from across the country prepare to battle it out for supremacy. The league will be played across three hockey-loving cities — starting in Chennai before moving to Ranchi and concluding in Bhubaneswar, where the grand final is scheduled for January 26, 2026.
New Format, New Energy – Hockey India League
Unlike the previous season, which featured a group-stage structure, the 2025-26 edition will follow a single round-robin format, ensuring that every team faces each other once. The top four teams at the end of the league stage will progress to the playoffs.
The playoff format will see the top two sides contest Qualifier 1, with the winner advancing directly to the final. The loser of Qualifier 1 will get a second chance in Qualifier 2, where they will face the winner of the Eliminator between the third- and fourth-placed teams. This structure promises late-season drama and rewards consistency across the campaign.
Opening Clash: Dragons vs Toofans – Hockey India League
Saturday’s curtain-raiser sets the tone perfectly. Hyderabad Toofans, runners-up in the last edition after their narrow 4–3 loss to Shrachi Bengal Tigers in the final, will be eager to go one step further this year. On the other side, the Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons, backed by a passionate home crowd, will look to erase memories of last season’s heartbreak after missing out on third place following a tight 3–2 defeat to JSW Soorma Hockey Club.
Star Power Across Squads – Hockey India League
The Men’s HIL boasts a glittering mix of Indian and overseas stars. Fans can look forward to watching India captain Harmanpreet Singh marshal the defence for JSW Soorma Hockey Club, while midfield dynamo Hardik Singh turns out for HIL GC. Manpreet Singh leads Ranchi Royals, and seasoned drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh makes his much-awaited return with SG Pipers.
Youth will also be in focus, with Junior World Cup bronze medallists such as Rohit and Dilraj Singh representing SG Pipers, Amir Ali and Manmeet for Ranchi Royals, Sunil PR for Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, and Prince Deep Singh featuring for the home side, Tamil Nadu Dragons.
International firepower further raises the stakes. Belgian goal-machine Tom Boon suits up for Ranchi Royals, Germany’s Christopher Ruhr joins Shrachi Bengal Tigers, while Olympic champions Arthur Van Doren and Alexander Hendrickx headline the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers. England’s Sam Ward will be a key figure for HIL GC, adding speed and flair to the competition.
Defending Champions and Title Aspirants – Hockey India League
Shrachi Bengal Tigers enter the season as defending champions, determined to retain their crown in a field stacked with challengers such as JSW Soorma Hockey Club, SG Pipers, Hyderabad Toofans and the hosts Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons.
With venues shifting from Chennai to Ranchi and finally Bhubaneswar, Hockey India’s vision of taking the league to multiple hockey heartlands comes to life — giving fans across the country a chance to witness world-class action up close.
Where to Watch
All matches of the Men’s Hero Hockey India League will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3 and DD Sports, with live streaming available on the Waves app and the Hockey India League YouTube channel and also get the match reports at BiGG Sports News
As the floodlights shine over Egmore on Saturday evening, Indian hockey’s most exciting domestic league is set to ignite once again — and the race to crown a new champion officially begins.
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