The Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 season has been nothing short of thrilling so far, with teams battling it out for supremacy in an exciting start to the tournament. Starting with the first match on December 28, the league has delivered high-stakes encounters, nail-biting shootouts, and intense comebacks that set the tone for a memorable season of hockey.
The season commenced with a thrilling contest between Delhi SG Pipers and Gonasika at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, Rourkela. Argentina’s Tomas Domene starred for Delhi, opening the scoring with a drag flick in the fifth minute. Gonasika responded strongly, with Struan Walker (26’) and Victor Charlet (35’) putting them ahead. However, Domene made his mark again in the 39th minute, netting the decisive goal for a 3-2 win, despite Gonasika’s resilient attacks. Delhi’s defence held firm, ensuring the victory in this exciting season opener.
In their first match of the season, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers proved their mettle with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Hyderabad Toofans. The Tigers, led by a clinical finishing performance from Jugraj Singh (9’), Sukhjeet Singh (20’), and Affan Yousuf (36’), displayed solid defence and composure under pressure. Toofans managed to pull two goals back, with Timothy Daniel (41’) and Arthur de Sloover (59’) finding the net, but Bengal Tigers held on for the win. This victory put them atop the table, with Sukhjeet Singh earning the Player of the Match honours.
The tournament has also been marked by a series of dramatic penalty shootouts. The first of these came on December 29, when Soorma Hockey Club played out a 1-1 draw with Tamil Nadu Dragons before claiming a 4-1 shootout victory. The shootouts have been a recurring theme throughout the season, with teams like Soorma, Pipers, and Dragons all engaged in high-pressure shootouts that determined match outcomes. Notably, the Toofans bagged a bonus point with a 2-2 (5-4) shootout win against Delhi.
For the Latest Sports News: Click Here
UP Rudras made their presence felt with a dramatic comeback win over Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, defeating them 3-1 on December 30. However, the Rudras’ momentum was briefly halted when they fell to a 3-0 defeat against Soorma on January 2. Tamil Nadu earned a hard-fought bonus point after a 2-2 draw against Kalinga Lancers, winning 6-5 in the shootout.
As the league progressed, Bengal Tigers continued their dominance, remaining unbeaten. On January 4, they triumphed 4-1 over the Pipers, solidifying their position at the top of the table. Team Gonasika bounced back from early defeats to notch their first win, defeating Hyderabad 3-1 on January 4, while Soorma and Tamil Nadu continued to impress with strong performances.
After a week’s play, Bengal Tigers stand firm at the top of the table, having won all three of their matches. Soorma follows close behind with three wins from four matches. Kalinga Lancers have yet to open their account, sitting at the bottom of the standings.
On the individual front, Tomas Domene (Delhi SG Pipers), Jugraj Singh (Shrachi Bengal Tigers), and Harmanpreet Singh (Soorma Hockey Club) are leading the top-scorer list, each having netted three goals.
The Hero Hockey India League has garnered global attention, with FIH President Dato Tayyab Ikram expressing strong support for the tournament.
Ikram described the tournament as an “athlete-centric initiative” that provides global athletes with invaluable opportunities to perform and gain recognition. He highlighted the league’s unique timing, sanctioned by the FIH, which brings top athletes together to compete. “Hockey India League is very close to my heart,” he said, adding that its impact extends beyond Indian hockey, contributing to the growth and development of the global sport. Ikram also praised Rourkela’s iconic Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, noting its pivotal role in showcasing world-class hockey action.
Note – This article only focuses on the Men’s League
Also Read: Soorma Hockey Club Triumphs Over Delhi SG Pipers in Penalty Shootout Thriller