Starting this morning, the Women’s Hockey India League will begin its fortnight of games on Ranchi’s familiar blue turf.
Like last year, there will be four teams playing a double round-robin format with a championship final on January 10. Unlike last year, however, there will not be a “superteam” lording over the proceedings. That’s because the Odisha Warriors are not in the league this year. Instead, the Ranchi Royals were assembled to replace that side.
Ranchi will retain a number of former Odisha players, but in the player auction were able to get forward Agustina Albertario, who should be in the Golden Ball race for top scorer.
The team which I think will have the best chance of winning the title this year is Soorma. Even though a number of European players will be missing, they will have Argentine forward Maria Jose Grannato, Australian Penny Squibb, and Team GB’s Sarah Robertson.
The SG Pipers, for their season, will be relying on a panoply of offshore talent. Spain’s Lola Riera is a presence in the backfield, Kaitlin Nobbs is a veteran of the Hockeyroos, and Udita will be the straw that stirs the Pipers’ drink all over the park.
The Shrachi Bengal Tigers will have the only American in the league, former Penn State goalkeeper Jenny Rizzo. They will also have corner striker Agustina Gorzelany and Indian mainstay Monika. Keep an eye on India’s Lalremsiami and Vanda Katariya up top.
The great thing about the 2025-26 season is that you don’t have to download an app in order to have access to the league: in the United States, all you need is the Hockey India League YouTube channel.
Enjoy the games.