Ranchi, Dec 27 (NationPress) The second season of the Women’s Hockey India League is set to raise the bar for women’s hockey as it unfolds in Ranchi from December 28 to January 10, 2026. Building on the success of its inaugural season, which saw packed venues and fierce competition, this edition will feature India’s top talents alongside renowned international players in a condensed, thrilling schedule.

The league will be hosted exclusively at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, where four franchises—Ranchi Royals, SG Pipers, JSW Soorma Hockey Club, and Shrachi Bengal Tigers—will vie for supremacy. Utilizing a double round-robin format, each team will compete against the others twice in the league phase, with the top two teams progressing to the Grand Final on January 10, 2026.

In the previous season, the Odisha Warriors claimed the inaugural Women’s Hockey India League title, while the JSW Soorma Hockey Club secured the runner-up position after a thrilling final. The forthcoming season promises equally intense competition, particularly as JSW Soorma Hockey Club seeks redemption after leading the league stage but narrowly missing out on the championship. Fans will witness both Indian internationals and global stars from hockey powerhouses such as the Netherlands, Argentina, Belgium, Australia, Spain, and Great Britain.

Meanwhile, the Ranchi Royals aim to harness their home advantage to secure victory, while the Shrachi Bengal Tigers and SG Pipers strive to contend for the coveted title after finishing third and fourth last season.

The opening match will showcase the host team, Ranchi Royals, facing off against SG Pipers on December 28, 2025, heralding 13 days of premier women’s hockey to enthusiastic crowds in Jharkhand. This league aims to highlight fast-paced, aggressive hockey and create an important platform for emerging Indian players to compete against elite international talent.

The second season of the Women’s Hockey India League is dedicated to bolstering India’s reputation as a premier hockey destination and inspiring young girls to take up the sport.

In anticipation of the competition, Ranchi Royals Captain Nikki Pradhan expressed, “We are honored to kick off the new season on our home ground in Ranchi, where the passion for hockey is unparalleled. Our team is eager to set the pace for the league with bold, attacking hockey from the very start. As captain, my goal is to foster a cohesive, trusting unit where every player feels empowered to shine. If we adhere to our strategy and embrace the pivotal moments, the results will follow.”

SG Pipers Captain Navneet Kaur shared her insights, stating, “There’s a strong bounce-back mentality within the SG Pipers team this season, and that determination has been evident since day one. Our squad is well-balanced with a mix of international experience and Indian talent, providing depth in every position. Under the guidance of Sofie Gierts, our training is rigorous and purposeful, emphasizing discipline, defensive organization, and collective accountability. This has fostered a competitive environment aligned with our team’s objectives.”

Furthermore, Soorma Hockey Club Captain Savita remarked, “Coming so close to winning last season has only intensified our resolve. JSW Soorma Hockey Club has unfinished business in this league, and we are dedicated to converting last year’s disappointment into motivation this year. We wish to captivate fans with our style of hockey and demonstrate that Soorma can accomplish the goal this time.”

Co-captain Salima Tete added, “For us, it’s crucial to play with intention every minute. We possess quality throughout the squad, and if we maintain discipline, control the midfield, and trust ourselves during critical moments, we believe we can secure the title this season.”

Additionally, Shrachi Bengal Tigers captain Vandana Katariya stated, “This is a remarkable group with a strong Bengal identity and a genuine desire to prove ourselves against the elite. The Tigers will bring speed, flair, and unparalleled heart to every match. We respect all our opponents but fear none. By playing courageously, defending cohesively, and maintaining composure during challenging moments, Shrachi Bengal Tigers can emerge as serious contenders for the championship.”