New Delhi, Dec 29 (NationPress) As the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) embarks on another thrilling season, the HIL Governing Council Team (HIL GC) and Kalinga Lancers are determined to make a strong impression and secure a playoff position. Both squads feature a blend of experienced international talent alongside skilled Indian players.

Prior to the 2026 season, the HIL Governing Council Team took operational control from the UP Rudras franchise to ensure stability for both players and support staff.

The HIL Governing Council Team will commence their campaign on January 5th against the SG Pipers, led by Hardik, who heads a team that balances experience with youthful vigor. They have reliable goalkeeping options in James Mazarelo from England and Prashant Kumar Chauhan. The defense will be anchored by seasoned players like Surender Kumar, boasting 178 international caps, and Kane Russell, who has over 200 senior caps for New Zealand. Additional strength comes from James Albery of Great Britain and India's Prasant Barla, Jasjit Singh Kular, Mohammad Harris, and Talem Priyobarta.

In midfield, Captain Hardik Singh will guide the team alongside Manmeet Singh, who recently scored six goals in the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup held at home. Rahul Yadav and Ireland's experienced midfielder Daragh Walsh will also bolster the midfield.

The forward line includes seasoned players like Lalit Kumar Upadhyay and British forward Sam Ward, who have tallied 67 and 216 senior international goals, respectively, making them crucial to the HIL GC's offensive strategy. Additionally, Gurjot Singh, Sudeep Chirmako, Ajeet Yadav, along with Belgium's Tanguy Cosyns and New Zealand's Simon Yorston, will enhance the attack.

The Kalinga Lancers will once again depend on a solid defensive lineup and international expertise to improve on their sixth-place finish last season. In goal, they have top choices like India's finest goalkeeper Krishan B Pathak and Australia's Jed Snowden, both providing reliable protection at the back.

Their defense includes a formidable Belgian trio: co-captain Arthur Van Doren, Alexander Hendrickx, and Antoine Kina, all seasoned veterans. They are backed by co-captain Sanjay, whose leadership and drag-flicking abilities are crucial for the team's strategy. Other defenders include Sunil PB, Pratap Lakra, and Rohit Kullu.

The midfield features Australia's promising duo Liam Henderson and Craig Marias, supported by India's Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem, Amit Kumar Toppo, and Rosan Kujur. Up front, the Lancers boast a dynamic attacking lineup featuring some of India's top talents—Dilpreet Singh, Boby Singh Dhami, Angad Bir Singh, and Gursahibjit Singh—joined by Australia's Cooper Burns.

The Kalinga Lancers will face off against the Ranchi Royals in their inaugural HIL match on January 4, 2026, in Chennai.

HIL Governing Council Team roster:

James Mazarelo (Great Britain), Prashant Kumar Chauhan, James Albery (Great Britain), Jasjit Singh Kular, Mohammad Harris, Surender Kumar, Kane Russell (New Zealand), Prasant Barla, Talem Priyobarta, Hardik Singh, Manmeet Singh, Rahul Yadav, Daragh Walsh (Ireland), Simon Yorston (New Zealand), Ajeet Yadav, Sudeep Chirmako, Sam Ward (Great Britain), Tanguy Cosyns (Belgium), Gurjot Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay.

Kalinga Lancers roster:

Jed Snowden (Australia), Krishan B Pathak, Sunil PB, Antoine Kina (Belgium), Pratap Lakra, Arthur Van Doren (Belgium), Rohit Kullu, Alexander Hendrickx (Belgium), Sanjay, Craig Marais (Australia), Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem, Amit Kumar Toppo, Liam Henderson (Australia), Rosan Kujur, Gursahibjit Singh, Cooper Burns (Australia), Angad Bir Singh, Deepak Pradhan, Dilpreet Singh, Boby Singh Dhami.