Indian Women’s Hockey Team Urges Support for Women’s HIL Amid Uncertain Future

New Delhi, August 25, 2026: Indian women hockey players have made an emotional appeal to save the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL), saying the competition has played a crucial role in developing young talent, building confidence and preparing players for international-level pressure.

The appeal comes as the Women's HIL faces financial and commercial challenges, with concerns over sponsorship, broadcasting revenue, ticket sales, player payments and the possibility of franchises withdrawing from the competition.

Players Say HIL Has Transformed Women’s Hockey

Indian players believe the league has created an important bridge between domestic hockey and the international game.

Veteran midfielder Neha, who led Odisha Warriors to the inaugural Women's HIL title in the 2024-25 season, said the competition provides a level of exposure that junior and senior national championships cannot match.

She pointed out that players such as Baljeet, Sakshi and Rutuja have benefited from the league and are now part of India's World Cup squad.

Salima Tete Highlights the Talent Pathway

India captain Salima Tete has also stressed the importance of the league in expanding the country's talent pool.

According to Tete, Women's HIL gives emerging players an opportunity to perform alongside experienced players and potentially earn selection for national camps.

She believes the competition is particularly important for helping young players learn how to handle the pressure associated with international hockey.

Sakshi Rana: HIL Built Confidence

Young India player Sakshi Rana said her experience in the Women's HIL helped her develop confidence before competing at the international level.

Playing alongside established international stars gave younger players an opportunity to understand how experienced athletes handle pressure and difficult situations.

Navneet Kaur also highlighted the psychological benefit of the league, saying that sharing the field and dressing room with leading international players helped reduce the fear and hesitation that young athletes can experience when facing them at major tournaments.

Navneet Kaur Appeals to Sports Ministry and Corporate Sector

Navneet Kaur has called on Hockey India, the Sports Ministry and corporate India to support the Women's HIL.

She said reports of some teams considering withdrawal are worrying at a time when the performance of India's women's hockey team is improving.

Her appeal also highlights the financial imbalance between cricket and women's hockey, with a request for more corporate investment in the women's league.

India’s Strong World Cup Campaign Adds Urgency

The players' appeal comes during an encouraging campaign for the Indian women's team at the 2026 World Cup.

India's squad features 11 World Cup debutants. The team suffered only one defeat against Olympic champions the Netherlands, while holding Olympic silver medallists China to a 2-2 draw.

A goalless draw against Australia ended India's hopes of reaching the semi-finals, but the team remained in contention for fifth place, which would represent India's best World Cup finish since 1974.

The players believe the progress demonstrates why maintaining a strong domestic league pathway is essential.

Financial Pressure Threatens the League

Despite its sporting importance, the Women's HIL is reportedly facing significant commercial difficulties.

Challenges include:

High operating costs
Limited sponsorship interest
Lower broadcast revenue
Low ticket revenue
Delays in player payments
Concerns about franchise viability

According to franchise sources cited in reports, running both men's and women's HIL teams can cost around ₹10–12 crore, while the women's franchise fee of ₹2.5 crore has been removed for the third season.

Why the Women’s HIL Matters

The players' argument goes beyond the continuation of one tournament.

They see the league as an important part of India's long-term women's hockey development because it provides:

Domestic competition → International exposure → Confidence → National selection → World-class performance

For young players, regular competition against experienced Indian and international athletes can provide valuable exposure that is difficult to replicate through traditional domestic tournaments alone.

A Crucial Moment for Indian Women’s Hockey

The appeal comes at a time when Indian women's hockey appears to be developing a deeper pool of competitive players.

The current generation includes several athletes who have benefited from the HIL pathway, making the league an important platform for the next generation as well.

The players' message is therefore clear: investment in the Women's HIL is an investment in the future of Indian women's hockey.

Key Highlights
Indian women's hockey players have appealed for the Women's HIL to continue.
Players say the league has significantly improved confidence and international exposure.
Captain Salima Tete highlighted its importance in developing India's talent pool.
Navneet Kaur urged the Sports Ministry, Hockey India and corporate sector to support the competition.
The league is reportedly facing financial and commercial challenges.
India's strong showing at the 2026 World Cup has added urgency to the players' appeal.
Conclusion

The Women's Hockey India League has emerged as more than just a professional competition for Indian players. It has become an important development pathway for young hockey talent, providing exposure, confidence and experience against high-level opponents.

With financial uncertainty now threatening its future, India's leading women hockey players are making a passionate case for keeping the league alive.

For the next generation of Indian hockey stars, the message is simple:

Save the Women’s HIL. Build the future of Indian hockey.