HIL under threat: India’s women’s hockey stars make emotional appeal to save Hockey India League
(Courtesy : Hockey India)
The Indian women’s hockey team could achieve their best finish at the World Cup since 1974
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A team on the cusp of history is now fighting a battle off the pitch too. India’s women’s hockey team players have banded together to save Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) and have said that the competition deserves much of the credit for the squad’s remarkable run at the ongoing Hockey World Cup.
This young Indian side, featuring as many as 11 players making their World Cup debuts, has surprised many by matching Olympic champions Netherlands closely, losing just once, and fighting the Olympic silver medallists China to a 2-2 stalemate in their tournament opener.
A scoreless result against Australia shut the door on a semi-final berth, but a fifth-place finish is still within reach, one that would be India’s finest World Cup showing in over five decades.
Also Read: Who will India face in the fifth-place match at Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026?
Players make plea to save Hockey India League
Neha, the midfielder who captained Odisha Warriors to the league’s inaugural title, was among those who spoke up for the tournament’s survival.
“I think we have done our best to inspire girls in India to hold a hockey stick. People prefer their kids to play individual sports, but this should give them hope,” she was quoted as saying by PTI.
“In the last two years, HIL for women has benefited us a lot. Junior and senior Nationals do not have this level of competition. Women’s HIL has given us players like Baljeet, Sakshi and Rutuja, who are part of this World Cup team. For upcoming players also, we need this league. It should not be discontinued.”
Captain Salima Tete have similar sentiments and pointed to the league’s role in widening India’s talent pool.
“We have many players from HIL in the Indian team. They get a chance to be selected for the national camp, which is an important opportunity for them,” she said. “This is just the beginning for us, and there is much more to achieve. For that, HIL is a must.”
Sakshi Rana credited the league for helping her handle pressure on the big stage. “HIL has given me confidence, which was very useful in this tournament. We have played alongside many veteran players like World Cup top scorer Yibbi Janssen and learnt a lot,” she said.
Navneet Kaur, meanwhile, urged corporate houses to step in as the league faces financial uncertainty. “Our league does not require that much money. It is not about money; we need exposure. Women’s Hockey League should survive. We will do even better in the future,” she said.
Why are India’s women hockey players appealing to save the Women’s Hockey India League?
They say it built the confidence and skill behind their best World Cup run in 52 years, and are urging the Sports Ministry and sponsors to save it as it faces financial trouble.
How has India performed at the 2026 Women’s Hockey World Cup?
India are on course for their best ever finish since 1974 World Cup.
Will the Women’s Hockey India League be discontinued?
After two seasons, the Women’s Hockey League has come under threat due to rising operating costs and low revenues. While there has been no official communication about the league being discontinued, reports of at least two teams pulling back their franchises have emerged.
Ajay Gandhar has been part of Khel Now since 2023 and has expertise across a wide range of Olympic sports. While his coverage spans the Olympic spectrum, he is passionate about Badminton, Tennis, Football, and Track and Field. Beyond his primary focus areas, Ajay is also an avid kabaddi enthusiast and closely follows the sport.