The first team composed of Indian players to win the league was Greer Sporting who managed the feat in 1919.
Later years and post-Independence era were dominated by the "Big Three" of Kolkata, Mohun Bagan, Mohammedan Sporting and East Bengal.
[1] The current league structure consists of the First Division which has two groups played across two tiers at the senior level.
The top six teams of First Division Group A competes for Premier Hockey League while top four teams of First Division Group B competes for Super Hockey League.
[7] From the 2023 season, following the group stage matches, the first division teams move into Premier Hockey League and Placement rounds.