The Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2024-25 season concluded in dramatic fashion as Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers emerged victorious, edging past Hyderabad Toofans 4-3 in a closely contested final at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela. Jugraj Singh’s hat-trick and a crucial goal from Sam Lane powered the Tigers to the championship, securing them the top prize of INR 3 crore, while the Toofans settled for the runners-up spot and INR 2 crore.
The match unfolded as an intense battle, with both teams exchanging attacking moves from the outset. The Tigers tried to capitalize on aerial passes, but Hyderabad’s defense held firm in the opening minutes. It was the Toofans who struck first when Gonzalo Peillat converted a penalty corner with a clinical flick past Tigers’ goalkeeper Jamie Carr.
As the second quarter progressed, the Tigers responded with a goal from Jugraj Singh, who fired a powerful drag flick into the left corner to bring his team level. However, Hyderabad quickly regained their lead when Amandeep Lakra converted another penalty corner.
The Tigers came back stronger in the third quarter, with Jugraj Singh showcasing his prowess yet again. He netted twice more from penalty corners in quick succession, completing his hat-trick and giving the Tigers the lead for the first time in the match. But the Toofans were not done yet—Peillat struck again with another well-placed drag flick, making it 3-3 as the match remained on a knife’s edge.
The final quarter saw the Tigers pushing forward, earning multiple penalty corners. Although the Toofans’ defense initially held firm, Sam Lane eventually broke through, flicking the ball past goalkeeper Bikramjit Singh to restore the Tigers’ lead with just six minutes remaining. Hyderabad fought desperately for an equalizer, earning another penalty corner in the dying minutes, but Jamie Carr’s brilliant save ensured the Tigers’ victory.
Hero Hockey India League 2024-25 Award Winners
– Fair Play Award (Team) – UP Rudras
– Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament – Bikramjit Singh (Hyderabad Toofans)
– Upcoming Player of the Tournament – Arshdeep Singh (Hyderabad Toofans)
– Top Scorer of the Tournament – Jugraj Singh (Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers)
– Player of the Tournament – Sukhjeet Singh (Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers)
With this victory, the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers have etched their name in the history books, capping off a thrilling season of top-class hockey.