Hardik Singh named captain of HIL Governing Council squad

They begin their campaign on January 5 against SG Pipers. Hardik will lead a team comprising a good mix of experienced stalwarts like Lalit Upadhyay, Sam Ward, Surender Kumar and Kane Russell, and the team also features India Colts who recently won bronze at the FIH Junior Men's Hockey World Cup, such as Gurjot Singh, Manmeet Singh and Talem Priyoborta.

Speaking about the captaincy responsibility, Hardik said, "I am grateful for this opportunity, and I am looking forward to it. It is always exciting to be in a leadership role and take the team along in both highs and lows through the season."

"We have a strong mix of young players who had a good outing in the Junior World Cup as well as experienced players with several international matches under their belt. We are looking forward to a good season and also gaining from the knowledge exchange with foreign players," Hardik added.

The HIL Governing Council team has taken over the operations from the UP Rudras franchise ahead of the 2026 season to ensure continuity for its players.

The Men's Hero Hockey India League 2026 season features eight franchises--Tamil Nadu Dragons, Hyderabad Toofans, JSW Soorma Hockey Club, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers (defending champions), Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, Ranchi Royals, SG Pipers, and HIL Governing Council--in a single round-robin format with 23 league matches, followed by playoffs (Qualifier 1 and Eliminator on Jan 23; Qualifier 2 on Jan 25) and a grand final on January 26 at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, totalling 33 high-stakes encounters.

Action kicks off January 3 at Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai (Jan 3-9), shifts to Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh AstroTurf in Ranchi (Jan 11-16), and concludes in Bhubaneswar at Kalinga Stadium (Jan 17-26), pitting Indian stars against international imports in daily double-headers that mirror FIH pressures while driving fan engagement through packed venues and themed events. (ANI)