The Hockey India League (HIL) which was launched in 2013 is a ground-breaking initiative to revitalize the sport of hockey in India and highlight the incredible talent that India has. featuring some of the top world gamers, HIL has been instrumental in advancing the status of hockey as an athletic game in India. With teams representing various locations, this league has brought exciting games, memorable moments and fierce rivalries for the fans. In this article, we have included the top winners and runners-up throughout the seasons, and we’ll be celebrating their journey as well as the venues where history was being created.
Winners List of Hockey India League
| Season | Winner | Runner-Up | Venue (Finals) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Ranchi Rhinos | Delhi Waveriders | Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, Ranchi |
| 2014 | Delhi Waveriders | Punjab Warriors | Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, Ranchi |
| 2015 | Ranchi Rays | Punjab Warriors | Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, Delhi |
| 2016 | Punjab Warriors | Kalinga Lancers | Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, Ranchi |
| 2017 | Kalinga Lancers | Dabang Mumbai | Sector 42 Stadium, Chandigarh |
| 2024-25 | TBA | TBA | Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, Ranchi |
Hockey India League 2013: Ranchi Rhinos
The first year of HIL in 2013 saw Ranchi Rhinos emerge as champions. Led by coach Gregg Clark and led by captain Moritz Furste The Rhinos showed consistent performance throughout the competition. The final game, played on the Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi The Rhinos beat the Delhi Waveriders 2-1 in a thrilling game. This win was the beginning of a new phase for the sport of hockey in India.
Hockey India League 2014: Delhi Waveriders
After a disappointing debut season Delhi Waveriders made a remarkable return in the 2014. Under the leadership of Sardar Singh, they beat Punjab Warriors 3-1 in a fierce shootout following the game which was tied 3-3 at normal time. It was a thrilling match at the Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi witnessed another stunning final, further establishing the reputation of the league as a top-quality hockey.
Hockey India League 2015: Ranchi Rays
in 2015 Ranchi Rays, a team that was created after that the Ranchi Rhinos dissolved, upheld the city’s supremacy within the competition. With the help of famous Ashley Jackson, a player Ashley Jackson, they defeated Punjab Warriors in a shootout at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi. This victory highlighted Ranchi’s place as a major force for Indian hockey.
Hockey India League 2016: Punjab Warriors
After two consecutive runners-up finishes Punjab Warriors clinched their maiden title in the year 2016. The team was led by Australian legend Mark Knowles, the Warriors defeated the Kalinga Lancers 6-1 in a impressive performance on the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Ranchi. The victory was a resounding success that ended their long wait to win the prized trophy.
Hockey India League 2017: Kalinga Lancers
The last edition of HIL in 2017 saw the Kalinga Lancers crowned champions. Under the direction of Moritz Furste who played for the inaugural winner Ranchi Rhinos, the Lancers beat Dabang Mumbai 4-1 in the final that took place in the Sector 42 Stadium in Chandigarh. The Lancers victory was a tribute to their teamwork and consistency throughout the entire season.
Impact of the Hockey India League
HIL was much more than an event It was also an opportunity to bring international players to India and let youngsters Indian players to take lessons from the top. The league played an important part in reviving the popularity of hockey in India, bringing fans back to the stadiums and TV screens.
Many players, including India’s upcoming stars like Manpreet Sing, Harmanpreet Singh, and Akashdeep Singh were able to gain valuable experience playing alongside the best international players. The league also offered international players the chance to get to know the Indian hockey culture better, while fostering exchange of culture and respect for each other.
