Ranchi royals captain nikki pradhan

Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro: The second season of the Women’s Hockey India League is poised to elevate women’s hockey standards further when it takes place in Ranchi from December 28 to January 10, 2026. Following the success of the first edition, which featured packed audiences and competitive matches, this season will also showcase India’s best players alongside top international stars in a short, intense schedule.

The women’s league will take place solely at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi. It features four franchises — Ranchi Royals, SG Pipers, JSW Soorma Hockey Club, and Shrachi Bengal Tigers—competing for the title. The tournament uses a double round-robin format, with each team playing the others twice during the league phase. The top two teams will then advance to the Grand Final scheduled for January 10, 2026.

Last season, Odisha Warriors secured the first Women’s Hockey India League title, while JSW Soorma Hockey Club finished as runners-up after a close final match. The upcoming season is expected to be equally competitive, especially as JSW Soorma Hockey Club aims to go further after leading the league stage and narrowly missing the title. Fans can anticipate seeing both Indian internationals and international stars from hockey strongholds like the Netherlands, Argentina, Belgium, Australia, Spain, and Great Britain action.