Women's Hockey India League 2025-26: Top 5 players to watch out for

Agustina Gorzelany is the most expensive signing in Women’s HIL history.

The Women’s Hockey India League 2025-26 will take place from December 28 to January 10. The Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium in Ranchi will serve as host to all games of the competition.

Four teams – Ranchi Royals, SG Pipers, JSW Soorma Hockey Club, and Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers will be the participants. With a double round-robin format in place, each team will play twice against the other three teams. The top two teams will lock horns in the final to decide the winner.

The Odisha Warriors emerged as the champions of the last edition after beating the Soorma Hockey Club 2-1 in the final. However, after their withdrawal, the Royals have replaced them in the 2025-26 edition.

Feels good to be back on the blue, doesn't it? 🔵 The Ranchi Royals warm up the turf as we set up for first whistle. 🔥 Watch live from 28th December on Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 3 Hindi, Doordarshan Waves and HIL's YouTube, 7PM onwards#HeroHockeyIndiaLeague #BigIsBack pic.twitter.com/rx7kkxNgbo

— Hockey India League (@HockeyIndiaLeag) December 26, 2025

Let’s take a look at the top five players to watch out for in the upcoming edition of the Women’s HIL.

#5 Sonam

Playing for the Soorma Hockey Club in the last edition, Sonam was the finest performer among Indian players with four goals. As a result, she was a recipient of the ‘Upcoming Player of the Tournament’ award.

At the age of only 20, Sonam has a fresh energy along with her desire to represent the senior team. She is expected to do well for the franchise in the 2025-26 edition as well.

Also Read: Hockey India League 2025-26: Soorma Hockey Club Women squad breakdown – Strength & weakness

#4 Rutuja Pisal

One of the vital performers for the eventual champions, Odisha Warriors, Rutuja Pisal scored two goals in the last edition of the Women’s HIL.

Then, the Women’s FIH Pro League 2024-25 witnessed Rutuja contributing with three goals for the Women in Blue. She scored four goals in the 2025 Asia Cup, as India finished as the runner-up.

#3 Navneet Kaur

Navneet is one of the most exciting prospects in the 2025-26 edition due to her impressive form. She did well to score three goals in the 2024-25 edition of the FIH Pro League.

In September 2025, Navneet scored six goals to help India reach the final of the Asia Cup. A regular member of the senior side with 62 goals, she holds the experience to return with clutch performances.

New look, Same lightning ⚡️Navneet Kaur steps onto the field#HeroHockeyIndiaLeague #BigIsBack pic.twitter.com/moOcvLbkNr

— Hockey India League (@HockeyIndiaLeag) December 4, 2025

#2 Deepika Sehrawat

The skillful forward, Deepika Sehrawat has been a consistent performer in the last few tournaments. She played a key role in India’s title victory at the Asian Champions Trophy 2024 by scoring the most (11) goals.

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With seven goals, she was the highest scorer for India in the FIH Pro League 2024-25. Meanwhile, Sehrawat has scored 31 goals in 64 appearances for the Indian team and is in supreme form.

#1 Gorzelany Agustina

With a bid of INR 42 lakhs, Gorzelany Agustina became the costliest buy of the Women’s Hockey India League mini auction. The star dragflicker was part of Argentina’s side at the Tokyo Olympics and the Paris Olympics, where they clinched a silver and bronze medal, respectively.

Agustina helped Argentina to qualify for the 2026 FIH World Cup by finishing as the second-highest scorer with 15 goals in the 2024-25 Women’s FIH Pro League.

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