The captains of HIL teams pose with the trophy, a day ahead of the league’s start, on Friday, January 2, 2026.
| Photo Credit: B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM
You don’t inspire your teammates by showing them how amazing you are. You inspire them by showing them how amazing they are: adventure racer and motivational speaker Robyn Benincasa.
For the eight Indian captains of the Hockey India League (HIL), which begins at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium here on January 3, the league offers an ideal platform to do exactly that — bring out the best in their teammates, both Indian and foreign.
The Chennai leg of the league will conclude on January 9, after which the action shifts to Ranchi (January 11 to 16) and Bhubaneswar (January 17 to 26).
For Harmanpreet Singh, captain of India and JSW Soorma HC, expectations are understandably high. However, the 29-year-old appeared unfazed. Whether representing club or country, the objective is to win, he said.
“There is no added pressure, to be honest. On the contrary, it’s good that one gets the opportunity to play with juniors, and it’s good for them too,” he said.
The captains were unanimous in their view that the HIL provides a crucial opportunity for youngsters to showcase their talent and push for national selection, with major tournaments such as the FIH Pro League, Asian Games and World Cup on the horizon.
The Hockey India League trophy on display ahead of the league start on Friday, January 2, 2026.
| Photo Credit:
B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM
“This is a very important step for us and HIL will help identify the best players,” said Manpreet Singh, captain of Ranchi Royals. “In the next few months we will have major International tournaments including the World Cup (August) and Asian Games (September). So we will try, and field our best team for the two big events.”
Manpreet also underlined the importance of spreading the league across multiple venues. “Taking the HIL to places like Chennai, Ranchi and Bhubaneswar will help popularise the sport and improve fan engagement,” he said.
SG Pipers features the highest number of players — four — who took part in the Junior World Cup held in Tamil Nadu last month. The side’s captain, Jarmanpreet Singh, said: “I hope they use HIL as a big platform and make the most of it,” he said.
Published – January 02, 2026 07:23 pm IST
