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Hockey India declares ‘big is back’ as HIL returns with bold new 2025–26 campaign
MUMBAI: Unveiling a high-octane new promo for the 2025–26 season of the Hero Hockey India League (HIL), Hockey India on Thursday introduced its bold new brand line, “big is back”, signalling a turbocharged return built on ambition, scale and a cinematic visual identity designed to reignite fan excitement nationwide.
The refreshed campaign channels the intensity, athleticism and emotional pull of Indian hockey, blending high-energy creative with cultural nostalgia to remind fans why the sport remains one of the country’s most storied passions. The rollout spans multiple markets and mediums, ensuring the message lands across every major fan touchpoint.
HIL’s 2024 return had already set the stage for a revival. Backed by Prasar Bharati and Sony Sports Network, the league achieved a staggering 40.8 million cumulative viewers, up 48 per cent from the 2017 season. The men’s final clocked 3.07 million viewers, while the most-watched women’s match drew 2.92 million. Internationally, HIL expanded to 5 million viewers across 18 hockey-playing nations, supported by strong TV and OTT presence. On social media, the league surged past 1 billion views across 3,000 pieces of content on Facebook, Instagram and X.
Now, the new campaign aims to take that momentum and go even bigger. A 360-degree marketing plan includes high-impact animated films showcasing franchise cities, major outdoor installations nationwide, and a powerful presence across radio, television and OTT platforms. A refreshed social media strategy promises daily storytelling, behind-the-scenes action, reel-first formats, player-focused content and influencer-led conversations to keep fans hooked beyond matchdays.
Hero Hockey India League governing committee chairperson Dilip Tirkey , said, “With the launch of the promo today, the countdown for the new season has officially begun and it will be bigger than ever. HIL has played a crucial role in the growth of Indian hockey, and with this strong marketing push, we aim to take the sport to more people and inspire the next generation.”
Committee member Bhola Nath Singh added, “Our aim is to ensure HIL’s return is big, exciting and easy for fans to connect with. This campaign injects fresh energy into the sport and promises an experience supporters will genuinely enjoy.”
The new season will begin with the women’s league in Ranchi from 28 December 2025 to 10 January 2026, while the men’s league will run from 3 to 26 January 2026 across Chennai, Ranchi and Bhubaneswar.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
