Sunday 28 December 2025

Asia Cup glory for Men, crisis for Women: Indian Hockey's turbulent 2025

2025 ended up being a turbulent year for Indian hockey with the men's team ending their wait for an Asia Cup title, while the women's side faced major issues both on and off the field. The Hockey India League also saw chaos with teams pulling out, while the Jr. men's team showed promise under PR Sreejesh.

Alan Jose John


India won their first Asia Cup title in 8 years in 2025 (Courtesy: PTI)

Following the success achieved by the men’s team at the Paris Olympics 2024, 2025 was expected to be a year where Indian hockey moved to the next level. The much-anticipated return of the Hockey India League (HIL) was meant to be a major catalyst, especially with the launch of the women’s version of the tournament, which was welcomed with open arms by hockey enthusiasts.

HIL 2025-26 season preview: New teams, old questions and a crucial chapter for Indian Hockey

As Indian hockey prepares for a decisive build-up to 2026, the Hockey India League resumes as both a proving ground and a measure of the sport’s fragile recovery.

Uthra Ganesan


FILE PHOTO: Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers will look to defend its title when the men’s Hockey India League’s upcoming season takes place from January 3 to 26. | Photo Credit: M VEDHAN

A new schedule, new teams and new owners: the second edition of the revived Hockey India League (HIL) will have all of this and more when it finally gets underway on January 3 (December 28 for the women). It marks the beginning of what is expected to be a long, hectic and crucial year in the overall scheme of things for Indian hockey.

Women's HIL 2025-26: All you need to know about the second edition 

With the inaugural champions Odisha opting out of the 2025-26 season, the league will crown a new champion this year.


Odisha Warriors were the inaugural champions of Women's Hockey India League. (Photo credit: HIL)

The second edition of the Women's Hockey India League is set to take place at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, from 28 December, 2025 to 10 January, 2026.

HIL GC skipper Hardik Singh insists captaincy is more about empowering others than oneself

The 27-year-old two-time Olympic bronze medallist from Tokyo and Paris said his main responsibility as captain would be to make the young players feel comfortable while ensuring senior and overseas players adapt.

K. Keerthivasan


FILE PHOTO: Hardik Singh during an earlier interview with Sportstar at his residence in Jalandhar. | Photo Credit: R. V. MOORTHY

Hardik Singh, captain of the Hockey India League Governing Council (HIL GC) and one of India’s finest midfielders, has placed the onus squarely on the Indian youngsters if his side is to challenge for the title.

Day 3 Results: 3rd Hockey India Junior Men Academy Championship 2025 – Zone A & B



Surat, Gujarat, December 27, 2025: Ghumanhera Riser’s Academy, Pritam Siwach Hockey Academy, Sonepat, S.G.P.C Hockey Academy, Sports Authority of Gujarat – Hockey Academy, Namdhari XI, and Roundglass Hockey Academy registered victories on Day 3 of the 3rd Hockey India Junior Men Academy Championship 2025 – Zone A & B.