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This season, the men’s league will unfold across three cities—Chennai, Ranchi, and Bhubaneswar—while the women’s league will take place exclusively in Ranchi. The men’s tournament begins on January 3, 2026, at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai, where Tamil Nadu Dragons will face Hyderabad Toofans. Following the Chennai leg, the league shifts to Ranchi from January 11 to 16, and then moves to Bhubaneswar from January 17 to 26. The playoffs and final will be hosted at the iconic Kalinga Stadium, with the championship match set for January 26. Eight teams will battle it out in the men’s league, including defending champions Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, JSW Soorma Hockey Club, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, Ranchi Royals, SG Pipers, and others. The format features a single round-robin, with the top four teams progressing to the knockout stage. Meanwhile, the women’s league kicks off earlier on December 28, 2025, and continues until January 10, 2026. All matches will be held at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium in Ranchi. Four teams—Ranchi Royals, SG Pipers, JSW Soorma Hockey Club, and Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers—will compete in a double round-robin format, leading to a final showdown between the top two teams. With elite talent and fierce competition, the Hockey India League 2025–26 promises a thrilling season for fans and a strong platform for the sport’s growth nationwide. ALSO READ: Ro-Ko Revival: India Crushes Australia by 9 Wickets at SCG On the other hand, the women’s competition will begin on December 28, 2025, at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium in Ranchi. The opening clash will see Ranchi Royals take on SG Pipers. WOMEN’S TEAMS
