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Revived after a gap of seven years, the Hero Hockey India League (HIL) has proved to be a very successful initiative by Hockey India, under the guidance of its president and Odisha hockey legend Dilip Tirkey, and general secretary Bholanath Singh.
But according to Olympian Tirkey, Hockey India aims to make HIL the best professional field hockey league in the world. “I believe, Hero HIL 2024-25 has set a new benchmark in all aspects, starting from players auction, participation of star players, quality of competitions, crowd attendance, efficient management, prize money and world-wide media coverage,” he opined.
“We are thankful to the FIH for providing a window for the HIL and they have expressed their happiness for the seamless staging of the mega event. But Hockey India will not rest on its laurels. We will make HIL the best in the world,” added former India captain Tirkey.
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Also a former Parliament Member, Tirkey was impressed with the mixture of different styles of hockey and the top-class performance dished out by the young generation of players. “In terms of blending European power with Asian skill, HIL exhibited the best. A number of young players got the opportunity to hog headlines and stake claim for their entry into respective National teams,” he said.
Speaking on the commercial aspect of HIL, Tirkey revealed that Hockey India could not make a financial gain. “We could not properly market the event due to insufficient time. But the brand value of HIL has increased a lot,” he admitted.
The Hockey India president thanked the State governments of Odisha and Jharkhand for their magnanimous support to HIL. “We got top-class infrastructure facility along with some logistical support from respective state governments at a token cost. Hockey India is grateful to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren for the unconditional support they extended for the HIL,” acknowledged Tirkey.
The Hero HIL 2024-25, which also featured the inaugural edition of the womens league, provided an ideal platform for 288 field hockey players, including 96 women, from across the world to showcase their talent before large and passionate crowds at Birsamunda Stadium in Rourkela, Odisha and Jaipal Singh Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand, from 28 December 2024 to 1 February 2025.
It may be noted that more than 1000 players went under the hammer during the player auction for the HIL mens event. Among them, India captain and drag-flick maestro Harmanpreet Singh emerged as the costliest as he was bought by Soorma Hockey Club for Rs 78 lakhs.
The top three teams in both the categories received a total of Rs 10 crore as prize money, including Rs 3 crore by mens champions, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers and Rs 1.5 crore by womens title winners, Odisha Warriors. The mens league, featuring a total of 44 matches, produced 199 goals (4.52 per match), while the womens league, consisting of 13 matches, delivered 41 goals (3.15 per match).
From Odisha point of view, three teams and a total of 27 players, including eight women, participated in the HIL 2024-25. Among the three teams, Odisha Warriors, featuring five native players, emerged champions in the womens league, while Vedanta Kalinga Lancers and Team Gonasika finished sixth and seventh respectively in the mens tournament.
Shilanand Lakra and Amandeep Lakra stood out among Odisha players in the mens league. Both represented Hyderabad Toofans that finished runners-up. Amandeep was a treat to watch in converting penalty corners. Notwithstanding the presences renowned drag-flick experts Gonzalo Peillat (Germany), Arthur de Sloover (Belgium) and Jacob Anderson (Australia), Hyderabad Toofans relied on Amandeep and the 22-year-old Odisha international justified the faith reposed on him, scoring five goals, three less than Peillat.
ODISHA PLAYERS IN HIL (MEN) 2024-25: Vedanta Kalinga Lancers (5): Sahil Kumar Nayak, Pratap Lakra, Rohit Kullu, Roshan Kujur, Mukesh Toppo. Team Gonasika (4): Dipsan Tirkey, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Birendra Lakra, Anmol Ekka. UP Rudras (3): Sunil Jojo, Prasant Barla, Sudeep Chirmako (all). Tamil Nadu Dragons (2): Anand Lakra, Amit Rohidas. Hyderabad Toofans (2): Amandeep Lakra, Shilanand Lakra, Irengbam Rohit Singh. JSW Soorma Hockey Club (2): Pradip Mandal, Sunit Lakra.
ODISHA PLAYERS IN HIL (WOMEN) 2024-25: Odisha Warriors (5): Engil Harsha Rani Minz, Madhuri Kindo, Deep Grace Ekka, Anjali Barwa, Jyoti Chhatri. Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers: Munmuni Das. Delhi SG Pipers: Sunelita Toppo. JSW Soorma Hockey Club: Ajmina Kujur. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ PICS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ TOP: File picture of Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey. RIGHT: Odisha internationals Shilanand Lakra (Left) and Amandeep Lakra pose after winning HIL silver medals for Hyderabad Toofans in Rourkela on 1 Feb 2025.
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