Hockey India, the governing body for both men’s and women’s field hockey in India, has unveiled the official commercial for the upcoming season of the Hockey India League (HIL), presenting its bold new brand slogan, ‘Big. Is. Back.’
The campaign emphasises the league’s intention to increase ambition, creativity, and fan involvement and is accompanied by a redesigned identity that reintroduces HIL with a cinematic, energetic edge. The creative direction embraces hockey’s ferocity and agility while emphasising the emotional and cultural relevance the sport continues to have in India. The campaign spans many channels and markets, ensuring that it has an influence on every key fan touchpoint.
HIL’s comeback in 2024 represented a significant resurgence, with support from partners Prasar Bharati and Sony Sports Network assisting the league in achieving an unprecedented cumulative reach of 40.8 million viewers, a 48% increase over the 2017 season. The men’s final garnered 3.07 million viewers, while the most-watched women’s match had 2.92 million. Internationally, the league reached over 5 million viewers across 18 hockey-playing nations via TV and OTT channels. HIL’s social media content received over 1 billion views across Facebook, Instagram, and X, with over 3,000 pieces.
The new season’s campaign is based on a 360-degree marketing strategy designed to make HIL unmissable. High-impact animated films bring each franchise city to life, enormous outdoor displays generate national buzz, and a strong presence on radio, television, and OTT platforms reinforces reach. A new social media campaign will prioritise daily narrative, behind-the-scenes action, player features, reel-first creatives, and influencer-led conversations to keep fans engaged beyond matchdays.
Hero Hockey India League Governing Committee Chairperson Dr. Dilip Tirkey, said, “With the launch of the promo today, the countdown for the new season of the Hero Hockey India League has officially begun, and it will be bigger than ever. HIL has played a crucial role in the growth of Indian hockey, and it means a great deal to both players and fans. With this strong marketing push, we aim to take hockey to more people and inspire the next generation.”
Hockey India League Governing Committee Member Shri Bhola Nath Singh, said, “Our aim is to ensure that HIL’s return is big, exciting, and easy for fans to connect with. This campaign brings fresh energy to the sport and promises an experience that supporters will genuinely enjoy. The excitement around the league is building once again, and we are ready for it.”
The league enters the new season with an emphasis on scale, creativity, and emotion, seeking to bring hockey to every corner of the country and establish itself at the heart of India’s sporting environment.
The Women’s League will be held in Ranchi from December 28, 2025, to January 10, 2026, while the Men’s League will take place in Chennai, Ranchi, and Bhubaneswar from January 3 to 26, 2026.
