India’s women players appeal in Amstelveen to save Women's Hockey India League
India’s women’s hockey players in Amstelveen on August 26, 2026 made an emotional public plea to preserve the Women’s Hockey India League as they compete at the ongoing Hockey World Cup. They said the league has played a key role in building the confidence behind their strong tournament showing.
A young Indian side has surprised observers at the World Cup, featuring as many as 11 players making their World Cup debuts and losing just once in the tournament so far. India drew Olympic silver medallists China 2-2 in their opener, matched Olympic champions Netherlands closely, and a scoreless result against Australia ended their hopes of reaching the semi-finals; a fifth-place finish remains within reach and would be India’s best World Cup result since 1974.
Neha, the midfielder who captained Odisha Warriors to the league’s inaugural title, appealed directly for the competition’s continuation. “I think we have done our best to inspire girls in India to hold a hockey stick. People prefer their kids to play individual sports, but this should give them hope,” she was quoted as saying by PTI. “In the last two years, HIL for women has benefited us a lot. Junior and senior Nationals do not have this level of competition. Women’s HIL has given us players like Baljeet, Sakshi and Rutuja, who are part of this World Cup team. For upcoming players also, we need this league. It should not be discontinued.”
Captain Salima Tete echoed Neha’s call and stressed the league’s role in widening opportunities for selection. “We have many players from HIL in the Indian team. They get a chance to be selected for the national camp, which is an important opportunity for them,” she said. “This is just the beginning for us, and there is much more to achieve. For that, HIL is a must.”
Sakshi Rana credited match experience in the league with helping her cope with pressure at the World Cup. “HIL has given me confidence, which was very useful in this tournament. We have played alongside many veteran players like World Cup top scorer Yibbi Janssen and learnt a lot,” she said.
Navneet Kaur urged corporate backers to step in as the competition faces financial uncertainty. “Our league does not require that much money. It is not about money; we need exposure. Women’s Hockey League should survive. We will do even better in the future,” she said.
After two seasons, reports indicate the Women’s Hockey League is under threat because of rising operating costs and low revenues, with at least two teams reported to have pulled back their franchises; there has been no official announcement of discontinuation. Players have appealed to the Sports Ministry and sponsors to intervene to preserve the competition that they say built the confidence and skill behind their best World Cup run in 52 years.
India can still finish fifth at the World Cup, which would equal the nation’s best placement since 1974, while the players’ appeal seeks immediate action from sponsors and authorities to secure the future of the Women’s Hockey India League amid reported franchise withdrawals.