NEW DELHI: Hockey India League franchise UP Rudras have announced their decision to withdraw from the HIL, citing concerns over financial sustainability.
Rudras are the third team to pull out of HIL, following the earlier exits of Team Gonasika and Odisha Warriors, after just one season.
While the franchise stressed that the move does not diminish its commitment to the sport or its community, the development has raised doubts over not just the finances of the HIL, but also its long-term continuation.
“This was not an easy call,” said team director Cedric D’Souza. “We value what the league has brought to Indian hockey, but sustainability challenges made continuation untenable. Our responsibility now is to direct resources where they can have the greatest long-term impact – grassroots development.”
The team, owned by Madhavkrishna and Raghavpat Singhania of Yadu Sports and coached by Dutch legend Paul van Ass, boasted several top Indian and international players, including India vice-captain Hardik Singh, two-time Olympic medalist Lalit Upadhyay, Sam Ward (England), Tanguy Cosyns (Belgium) and Lars Balk (Holland).
The decision, coming just two days before the scheduled players’ mini-auction ahead of HIL’s second season, has also put a question mark on the future of the franchise’s players. HI secretary general Bhola Nath Singh, however, insisted to Sportstar that player interest remained the main priority and the federation would manage things.
“Even if we had a week’s notice, we could have managed a replacement. But this is a last-minute decision from the owners. It’s a business decision they have made and we cannot do anything about it. We had confirmation from them of participation in the mini-auction and we are also surprised by this. But our priority has always been the well-being of our players. We have always taken care of players’ interests and will continue to do so,” Singh told Sportstar.
He confirmed that the UP franchise players would go into the auction pool with immediate effect and reiterated that the HIL would be held as scheduled, even with seven teams. This is the third pull-out from the revamped HIL, with Odisha Warriors, winner of the women’s four-team competition last year, being the third one. Gonasika and Odisha teams have already been absorbed by Ranchi Royal Tuskers coming on board as the replacement.
The Rudras, however, have underlined that their focus going forward will be on building strong foundations for hockey in India, investing in structured programs at the school and community level, scouting and training initiatives to identify promising players early, and creating development platforms that bridge the gap between local talent and national recognition. By realigning resources, the franchise aims to ensure that hockey’s pipeline of talent remains strong and that opportunities are accessible to players outside the league spotlight.
Hardik, added perspective from the players: “Representing the Rudras in the Hockey India League has been an honour. Our fans have stood by us with unwavering loyalty. While this chapter closes, our dedication to hockey and to inspiring future athletes continues at the grassroots level.”
Officials thanked the fans for their vocal support throughout and emphasised that the decision reflects strategic redirection, not retreat. Indian hockey legend, Lalit Upadhyay and UP stalwart, noted, “The league has played an important role, despite it coming to an end for us, our focus on developing the sport in Uttar Pradesh will continue. By channelling efforts into grassroots initiatives, we remain fully invested in Indian hockey’s future.”
For the Rudras, stepping away from the HIL is less an exit than a pivot. The franchise believes that its greatest impact now lies in strengthening the sport’s foundations, creating opportunities for young players, and ensuring the long-term health of hockey in India. With this shift, the Rudras reaffirm their role not just as competitors on the field, but as committed custodians of the game’s future.
