Sonia Bathla, Director of Sports at Ahmedabad University, has been appointed as a Technical Officer for the second season of the Women's Hero Hockey India League (HIL), one of the world's premier field hockey competitions. The league commenced on December 28, 2025, in Ranchi.

As the only female technical official from India currently serving on the Fédération Internationale de Hockey (FIH) Leading Panel, the highest tier of international hockey officiating, Sonia Bathla's appointment highlights her expertise in sports administration.

Her portfolio includes officiating at the Men's Hockey World Cup, the FIH Pro League, and the Commonwealth Games, among many other tournaments. In recognition of her contributions to the sport, she was honoured with the Hockey India President's Award for Best Technical Official of the Year 2023.

At Ahmedabad University, Sonia Bathla brings this same international rigour to our sports programmes, inspiring our students to pursue excellence in athletics.