Odisha’s remarkable rise as one of India’s strongest hockey nurseries is clearly reflected in the growing number of players representing the state in the Men’s Hero Hockey India League. From just six players in the inaugural edition of HIL in 2013, Odisha’s presence has increased to sixteen players in the ongoing Men’s Hero HIL 2025-26 season, highlighting the state’s steady transformation into a national hockey hub and a reliable production line for elite talent.

Back in 2013, the Odisha contingent in HIL featured Amit Rohidas, Stanli Minz, Arvind Kujur, Sushant Tirkey, Suresh Toppo and Birendra Lakra. At the time, these players were exceptions rather than products of a structured system. They carried forward a legacy shaped in tribal belts, dusty grounds and deep rooted love for the sport. Sharing the field with international stars was a breakthrough moment, earned largely through individual grit and performances in domestic tournaments.

Thirteen years later, Odisha’s hockey story looks very different. In Men’s Hero HIL 2025-26, Amit Rohidas stands as the lone link to the inaugural season and today he is also one of the pillars of India’s national team defence. Rohidas is representing Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons alongside fellow Odisha players Anand Lakra, Adrohit Ekka and Sushil Dhanwar. Vedanta Kalinga Lancers feature Rohit Kullu, Rosan Kujur, Deepak Pradhan, Dipsan Tirkey and Partap Lakra. HIL GC have Prasant Barla and Sudeep Chirmako. Hyderabad Toofans are represented by Amandeep Lakra and Shilanand Lakra. Ranchi Royals include Anmol Ekka and Nilam Sanjeep Xess, while Vivek Lakra is playing for Shrachi Bengal Tigers.

Odisha players are no longer fringe participants in the league. They are spread across franchises, regularly feature in starting line ups and are trusted with key responsibilities across defence, midfield and attack. Their presence now cuts across team strategies and positions, underlining the depth and quality emerging from the state.

This sharp rise from six to sixteen players has been driven by focused long term investment. Over the last decade, Odisha has strengthened grassroots hockey through district and block level competitions, built a strong high performance ecosystem through state run academies, developed world class infrastructure in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela, and ensured consistent exposure by hosting World Cups, FIH Pro League matches and major international tournaments. Hockey today is not just a tradition in Sundargarh, Simdega border villages and tribal belts, but a clear professional pathway and an identity for young athletes.

Where earlier generations depended on standout performances at national championships to get noticed, today’s players are groomed through structured systems, sports hostels and elite junior competitions. Odisha has moved from producing individual stars to building an entire hockey ecosystem.

The packed Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar during the final leg of the Men’s Hero HIL this season stands as strong proof of the sport’s ever rising popularity in the state. Odisha’s growing representation in the league is not merely a statistic, but a powerful reflection of how the state has firmly established itself as one of the true hockey hubs of India.