Rourkela: The upcoming edition of the Hockey India League (HIL) will feature lesser number of players from Odisha.

In the mini player auction conducted in New Delhi on Wednesday, a total of 100 men and 100 women players were up for grabs. From them, 16 male and 4 female players from Odisha were roped in by different teams. ADVERTISEMENT

Last season, 20 male and 6 female Odia players took part in HIL.

The next edition of HIL, which was revived in 2024-25 after a seven-year gap, will begin on January 5, 2026.

In another significant development, defending women’s champions Odisha Warriors have opted out.

In the men’s event, Team Gonasika and UP Rudras also withdrew from the league, Their places were filled by newly-introduced teams Ranchi Royals (both men’s and women’s sections), and Ho

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