New Delhi, Dec. 30 -- As the Men's Hockey India League (HIL) heads into the 2026 season, JSW Soorma Hockey Club and SG Pipers are shaping up as strong contenders, each following a distinct approach. While Soorma continues to rely on a core group of proven international stars to maintain their status as a dominant force, the Pipers have opted for a fresh direction by rebuilding their squad and focusing on developing local talent into a competitive and well-balanced unit, according to a release.

JSW Soorma Hockey Club, representing the hockey heartlands of Punjab and Haryana, enter the 2026 season with the aim of building on its third-place finish from the previous edition. Under the guidance of Head Coach Philippe Goldberg and mentor Sard...