Hockey Tiruvallur is all set to launch the Tamil Hockey League (THL) 2026, a premier state-level field hockey championship that aims to elevate the standard of the sport in Tamil Nadu while providing professional platform for emerging talent.
The tournament will be held from 9 August to 12 September 2026 at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, Chennai, featuring 12 men’s teams and, for the first time, a Women’s Mini League with four teams.
The men’s competition begins with a 30-match league stage, where teams are divided into two pools of six. The top three teams from each pool advance to the Super Six Round Robin, with the top four progressing to theplayoffs. The playoffs will feature Qualifier 1 (1st vs 2nd), Qualifier 2 (3rd vs 4th), followed by an Eliminator between the loser of Qualifier 1 and winner of Qualifier 2. The winner of the Eliminator will meet the winner of Qualifier 1 in the Grand Final. Both the Eliminator and the Final will be played under floodlights.
Twelve teams drawn from leading institutions, public-sector organisations and sporting establishments will contest the men’s championship, divided into two pools of six.
Pool A comprises Indian Bank, Income Tax, Southern Railway, S M Nagar, GST & Central Excise, and the Sports Hostel of Excellence.
Pool B features Indian Overseas Bank, AGORC, Dhyand Veerans, Pattabiram Strikers, Food Corporation of India, and Integral Coach Factory.
The newly introduced Women’s Mini League will see four teams compete in a league format, reflecting Hockey Tiruvallur’s commitment to strengthening women’s hockey in the state.
Padma Shri Vasudevan Baskaran, captain of India’s gold-medal winning team at the 1980 Moscow Olympics will serve as League Director, while internationally accredited FIH Technical Official Mr. Moghul Muhammed Muneer will serve as the Technical Delegate, ensuring the tournament is conducted to international standards.
Dr. Prakash Ayyadurai, League Chair, said: Tamil Hockey League is about creating opportunities. Our vision is to build a league that inspires young players, strengthens clubs, and gives Tamil Nadu a tournament that everyone can be proud of. The addition of the Women’s League is another significant step in that journey.”Padma Shri V. Bhaskaran, League Director, said: “Tamil Nadu has immense hockey talent. A structured league like THL gives players the competitive environment they need to grow and prepares them for higher levels of the game. I am delighted to be part of this initiative.
“The organisers proudly announced Rela Hospital as the Title Sponsor of the inaugural Tamil Hockey League, acknowledging the institution’s commitment to promoting sports and athlete welfare. The organising committee also extended a heartfelt invitation to the general public, hockey enthusiasts, students, and families to witness the finest hockey talent from across Tamil Nadu. With free entry throughout the tournament, fans are encouraged to turn out in large numbers, fill the stands, and be a part of the celebration of hockey.
