By SRTeam The Hockey India League (HIL), launched in 2013, has been a groundbreaking initiative to revive hockey in India and showcase the immense talent the country possesses. Featuring some of the world’s best players, HIL has been instrumental in elevating the status of hockey as a sport in India. With teams representing different regions, the league brought thrilling matches, unforgettable moments, and fierce rivalries to fans. Here, we listed the winners and runners-up of all seasons, celebrating their journey and the venues that witnessed history being made.
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 inaugural season of HIL in 2013 saw Ranchi Rhinos emerge as champions. Coached by Gregg Clark and led by captain Moritz Fürste, the Rhinos delivered consistent performances throughout the tournament. The final match, held at the Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, saw the Rhinos defeat Delhi Waveriders 2–1 in a thrilling contest. This victory marked the beginning of a new era for hockey in India.
Hockey India League 2014: Delhi Waveriders
After falling short in the first season, Delhi Waveriders made a strong comeback in 2014. Under the captaincy of Sardar Singh, they defeated Punjab Warriors 3–1 in a tense shootout after the match ended in a 3–3 tie during regular time. The Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi witnessed another spectacular final, further solidifying the league’s reputation for high-quality hockey.
Hockey India League 2015: Ranchi Rays
In 2015, Ranchi Rays, a team formed after the Ranchi Rhinos dissolved, upheld the city’s dominance in the league. Led by star player Ashley Jackson, they defeated Punjab Warriors in a shootout at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi. The victory emphasized Ranchi’s role as a powerhouse in Indian hockey.
Hockey India League 2016: Punjab Warriors
After two consecutive runners-up finishes, Punjab Warriors clinched their maiden title in 2016. Led by Australian great Mark Knowles, the Warriors overcame Kalinga Lancers 6–1 in a dominant display at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Ranchi. This emphatic victory ended their long wait for the coveted trophy.
Hockey India League 2017: Kalinga Lancers
The final edition of HIL in 2017 saw Kalinga Lancers crowned champions. Led by Moritz Fürste, who also captained the inaugural winners Ranchi Rhinos, the Lancers defeated Dabang Mumbai 4–1 in the final held at the Sector 42 Stadium in Chandigarh. The Lancers’ win was a testament to their consistency and teamwork throughout the season.
Impact of the Hockey India League
HIL was more than just a competition; it was a platform that brought global hockey talent to India and allowed young Indian players to learn from the best. The league played a crucial role in revitalizing hockey’s popularity in the country, attracting fans back to stadiums and television screens.
Several players, including India’s rising stars like Manpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Akashdeep Singh, gained valuable experience by competing alongside and against international stalwarts. The league also gave international players an opportunity to understand the Indian hockey ecosystem better, fostering cultural exchange and mutual respect.