The Hockey India League (HIL) has been a major event in the Indian sports calendar, showcasing top talent from around the world and providing a platform for young Indian players to shine. Since its inception in 2013, the league has seen some incredible champions who have left a lasting impact on the sport of hockey in India. In this article, we will take a look at the list of HIL champions and how they have contributed to the growth of hockey in the country.
### What is the Hockey India League (HIL)?
The Hockey India League was a professional field hockey league in India, which ran from 2013 to 2022. The league featured six franchise teams representing different cities in India, and each team comprised a mix of international and Indian players. The HIL provided a platform for players to showcase their skills, learn from top international talent, and compete at a high level.
### HIL Champions List
Over the years, the Hockey India League saw some fierce competition and memorable moments, with different teams rising to the occasion and clinching the title. Here is a list of the champions from each season of the HIL:
1. **2013**: Ranchi Rhinos
2. **2014**: Delhi Waveriders
3. **2015**: Ranchi Rays
4. **2016**: Punjab Warriors
5. **2017**: Kalinga Lancers
6. **2018**: Ranchi Rays
7. **2019**: Punjab Warriors
8. **2020**: Not held
9. **2021**: Not held
10. **2022**: Punjab Warriors
### Ranchi Rhinos – 2013 Champions
The inaugural season of the Hockey India League saw the Ranchi Rhinos emerge as the champions. Coached by Gregg Clark and led by Moritz Fuerste, the team put on a stellar performance throughout the season to clinch the title. With players like Ashley Jackson and Barry Middleton in their ranks, the Ranchi Rhinos played an attacking brand of hockey that thrilled the fans and earned them the championship.
### Delhi Waveriders – 2014 Champions
In the second season of the HIL, the Delhi Waveriders lifted the trophy under the guidance of coach Cedric D’Souza. With star players like Sardar Singh and Simon Child in their lineup, the Waveriders played some scintillating hockey to claim the title. Their solid defense and clinical finishing were key to their success in the season.
### Ranchi Rays – 2015 Champions
The Ranchi Rays reclaimed the title in the 2015 season, showcasing their dominance in the league. Led by Australian legend Jamie Dwyer and coached by Harendra Singh, the Rays put on a masterclass in attacking hockey. With players like Ashley Jackson and Barry Middleton continuing to shine, Ranchi Rays were a force to be reckoned with in the league.
### Punjab Warriors – 2016 and 2019 Champions
The Punjab Warriors were the champions in both the 2016 and 2019 seasons of the HIL, showcasing their consistency and quality. Led by coach Barry Dancer and star player Moritz Fuerste, the Warriors played a dynamic style of hockey that proved too much for their opponents. With players like SV Sunil and Mark Gleghorne in their ranks, Punjab Warriors were a formidable force in the league.
### Kalinga Lancers – 2017 Champions
In the 2017 season of the HIL, the Kalinga Lancers emerged as the champions, marking their first title in the league. Coached by Mark Hager and led by Moritz Fuerste, the Lancers played an aggressive and high-tempo style of hockey that caught their opponents off guard. With players like Glenn Turner and Adam Dixon in top form, Kalinga Lancers were a joy to watch in the league.
### Ranchi Rays – 2018 Champions
The Ranchi Rays reclaimed the title in the 2018 season, showcasing their depth and talent once again. Coached by former Indian captain Sandeep Singh and led by Ashley Jackson, the Rays played an exciting brand of hockey that thrilled the fans. With players like Barry Middleton and Linus Butt in their ranks, Ranchi Rays were a formidable force in the league.
### Punjab Warriors – 2022 Champions
In the final season of the Hockey India League in 2022, the Punjab Warriors once again clinched the title, marking their third championship in the league. Coached by Kedar Jadhav and led by Armaan Qureshi, the Warriors put on a clinical display of hockey to outclass their opponents. With players like Mandeep Singh and Manpreet Singh leading the charge, Punjab Warriors were a dominant force in the league.
### Conclusion
The Hockey India League has been a breeding ground for talent and a showcase of top-quality hockey in India. The champions of the league have left a lasting legacy in the sport, inspiring a new generation of players to take up hockey and aim for greatness. As we look back at the list of HIL champions, we can see the rich history and tradition of the league, and the impact it has had on the development of hockey in India.
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