In a grand celebration of hockey excellence, Hockey Bengal, in collaboration with Shrachi Sports, organised a felicitation ceremony to honour the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers men’s hockey team for their triumphant victory in the 2025 Hockey India League (HIL). The event, held at the Hockey Bengal tent on Red Road, Kolkata, was further elevated by celebrating the 90th birthday of legendary Indian hockey player, Gurbux Singh.
The evening was a landmark occasion for Bengal hockey, as dignitaries, former players, and hockey enthusiasts gathered to mark the resurgence of the sport in the state. The championship trophy was proudly displayed, underscoring the Tigers’ dominance in the league. The team secured the title with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Hyderabad Toofans in the final at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, Rourkela. Jugraj Singh, the tournament’s top scorer with 12 goals, was a standout performer throughout the season.
The felicitation ceremony was presented by esteemed sports journalist and historian Boria Majumdar and attended by several distinguished guests. Among them were Sujit Bose, Minister of Fire and Emergency Services, Government of West Bengal and president of Hockey Bengal; Rahul Todi, managing director of Shrachi Sports; Deepak Thakur, coach of the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers; Snehasish Ganguly, president, Cricket Association of Bengal, and the iconic Olympian himself, Gurbux Singh, and many more.
Sujit Bose expressed immense pride in the Tigers’ achievement, stating: “I feel proud that the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers became the champions in the inaugural season of the revamped Hockey India League and have brought Bengal hockey’s golden days back.” He added: “It is an honour to celebrate this feat in the presence of the legendary Gurbux Singh, who has served Bengal hockey for so many years. Additionally, the new turf in Bengal has received FIH certification, marking a significant step towards better days for the sport in our state.”
Rahul Todi lauded the team’s extraordinary performance, remarking: “The boys made us proud. Players from across the globe participated in this tournament, making it the highest level of hockey played in the country. We are elated to bring the trophy to Bengal and showcase our capabilities on the national stage.”
The evening also paid tribute to the illustrious career of Gurbux Singh, often hailed as the ‘Jewel of Bengal’. A stalwart of Indian hockey, he was instrumental in securing gold at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and bronze at the 1968 Mexico Olympics. His remarkable tenure with Bengal hockey spanned 16 years — one of the longest for any player from the state. He later became a successful coach and administrator, contributing significantly to the sport’s development.
Expressing his gratitude, Gurbux Singh said: “I am deeply touched by this felicitation and extend my heartfelt thanks to Hockey Bengal and Shrachi Sports for organising such a wonderful event.”
“I also wish to congratulate the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers team and staff for their remarkable performance in the HIL. Their victory has truly revived Bengal hockey,” he said congratulating the champions.
Rahul Todi further emphasised future initiatives, stating: “We now have our turf in Bengal, thanks to Hockey Bengal and the Sports Department. Our next goal is to establish a high-performance hockey academy to scout and train young talent — both men and women — from across the state.”
“We must carry forward this legacy and continue to nurture the next generation of champions, ” he added.
The success of the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, coupled with the contributions of icons like Gurbux Singh, marks a renaissance for Bengal hockey. The event was a celebration of past achievements and future aspirations, setting the stage for greater milestones ahead.
