New Delhi : The Hockey India League (HIL) could be more than just a high-intensity domestic tournament this season — it might be the perfect launchpad for World Cup preparation, believes Belgian goalkeeping legend Vincent Vanasch.
Vanasch, widely regarded as one of the world’s top keepers and a key figure in Belgium’s international success, including being Best Goalkeeper at the 2023 Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup, sees the league’s competitive mix as an invaluable training ground for top-tier hockey.
“The HIL provides players with intense matches and world-class competition right before major events,” Vanasch told The Hindu in an exclusive conversation. While exact words are drawn from coverage by WebJosh, the sentiment highlights his belief that the league’s standard closely mirrors international challenges.
Why the HIL Matters Now
Reintroduced with vigor in recent seasons, HIL brings together international stars and India’s best talent, creating a stage where fast-paced hockey and tactical battles become the norm — not the exception.
Vanasch — a seasoned campaigner who has won medals at top global events — argues that this level of week-in, week-out pressure prepares players mentally and tactically for the brutal pace and strategy of international tournaments like the World Cup.
Players Backing the Vision
India’s own stars, including captain Harmanpreet Singh and midfielder Hardik Singh, have similarly lauded the league, saying it mirrors international match scenarios and gives players a chance to hit form before a packed 2026 season filled with FIH Pro League fixtures, the World Cup, and the Asian Games.
“The standard across franchises feels like international hockey,” Harmanpreet said recently, acknowledging how the league helps bridge the gap between domestic play and global demands.
A Win-Win for Hockey’s Future
With performances already thrilling fans — from Vanasch’s remarkable saves for Soorma Hockey Club to headline-grabbing clashes between top franchises — the HIL isn’t just entertainment. It’s becoming an essential proving ground on the road to World Cup glory.
Discussion about this post