Ranchi, Dec. 27 -- The second season of the Women's Hockey India League is all set to push the standards of women's hockey even higher when it gets underway in Ranchi from December 28 to January 10. Building on the success of the inaugural edition, which saw packed stands and high-quality contests, the upcoming season will once again bring together India's top talent and leading international stars in a compact, high-intensity window, according to a release.

The women's league will be staged exclusively at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, with four franchises -- Ranchi Royals, SG Pipers, JSW Soorma Hockey Club and Shrachi Bengal Tigers -- contesting the title. The tournament will follow a double round-ro...