Checkout Hockey India League winners list

After a wait of seven-odd years, the coveted league of Indian Hockey is all set to be back. The first game after seven years will be played on 28th December and the excitement is soaring high for the players as well as fans. The ardent hockey fans are praying for an exciting comeback of the tournament, that would reinvigorate and sustain the newfound love for the sport that the country has clawed back over the last two Olympics where India has gone to win two successive bronze medals. 

This article is about the winners of the previous tournaments of the Hockey India League where the five seasons saw four different winners.

Here is the list of four winners of the Hockey India League: 

Winners of the Hockey India League: 

1. Ranchi Rhinos (2013)

The inaugural champions of the tournament, Ranchi Rhinos set the template and benchmark for excellence with their strategic approach. Led by dynamic Mortiz Furste and the Indian superstar Manpreet Singh, Ranchi Rhinos dominated the 2013 season in the league phase. They clinched a 2-1 thrilling victory against Delhi Waveriders in the final at Birsa Munda stadium. The strength of the side was in the organized defense as they conceded just 21 goals throughout the campaign. Birendra Lakra carried the defense on his shoulder whereas Reid Ross scored crucial penalties. 

2. Delhi Waveriders (2014)

After a heartbreaking loss in the finals of the 2013 edition, Delhi Waveriders, renamed as Delhi SG Pipers, came back stronger under the guidance of Sardar Singh to lift their first title. The team lost just one game with them going on an unbeaten run after that loss. The combination of Simon Child and Nicolas Jacobi with sticks and in-between posts, respectively, made them invincibles. Delhi Waveriders held their nerves in the finals to lift the title. They had 37 goals in 12 games of the tournament. 

3. Ranchi Rays (2015)

With the new branding, Ranchi Rays maintained Ranchi’s hockey legacy created by Ranchi Rhinos. Captain Ashley Jackson was in great form, finishing the tournament as top scorer with 12 goals. The team’s strength was in the midfield dominance with Barry Middleton and Manpreet Singh pulling the strings without effort. The final victory came in the shootout as they defeated Punjab Warriors. Rays played attractive hockey in the tournament with a European structure and combined Indian flair. 

4. Punjab Warriors (2016) 

After three years of heartbreak, including two final defeats, the Warriors finally clinched their maiden title, in style. Australian legend Jamie Dwyer's leadership was crucial, while SV Sunil's explosive runs terrorized defenses. Their Australian goalkeeper Tristan Clemons was the season's standout player, conceding just 18 goals. The final against Kalinga Lancers saw them win 6-1, their biggest margin of victory in the tournament. What made their victory special was their ability to peak at the right time, winning crucial matches in the latter stages.

5. Kalinga Lancers (2017)

The Kalinga Lancers’ triumph is one for the ages. It is the story of perseverance. They finished the tournament as runners-up in 2016 but in 2017, they were unstoppable. Glenn Turner’s forward line scored goals for fun whereas Andrew Charter stopped goals, with five clean sheets. In the finals, they exploited and demolished Dabang Mumbai, winning the game 4-1. This was a combination of rock-solid defense and clinical finishing. This win started consolidating Bhubaneswar as the new hockey capital with record crowd footfall throughout the season. 

List of winners of the Hockey India League:

What to expect from the Hockey India League 2024-25?

In the sixth edition of the Hockey India League, we will be able to watch a record eight teams, split into two groups. The league is made interesting with two phases, where in the first phase, all teams face each other once whereas in the second phase, the teams will face the teams in their respective group. The added layered structure will build additional excitement to the game.

The teams across north, west, east, and south will add a fan base to the tournament in a country that has seen and adjusted to the leagues across sports like cricket, kabaddi, volleyball, etc.