New Delhi, Jan 8 (NationPress) The Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 is poised to allocate over INR 10 crore in prize money, establishing this year's tournament as the most profitable in the league's legacy. With a thrilling combination of elite men's and women's divisions, this season promises not only intense competition but also meaningful rewards for teams and individual athletes.
In the men's HIL, the championship team will receive a grand prize of INR 3 crore, while the second-place finishers will earn INR 2 crore. The team that secures third place will take home INR 1 crore, providing additional motivation for all teams to strive for the top positions, as stated by the Hockey India League (HIL) in a Wednesday announcement.
For the women’s HIL, the rewards are equally impressive. The champion team will be awarded INR 1.5 crore, while the runners-up will receive INR 1 crore. The third-placed team will get INR 50 lakh, marking a transformative era for women’s hockey.
Alongside team prizes, the tournament’s title sponsor has introduced individual performance-based awards. The Player of the Match for both men’s and women’s games will be granted INR 50,000 each. At the culmination of the tournament, Hero MotoCorp will also present INR 20 lakh each to the Player of the Tournament in both the Men’s and Women’s HIL.
Furthermore, the best goalkeeper, emerging player, and top scorer in the men's HIL will each receive INR 10 lakh, while their counterparts in the women's HIL will be awarded INR 5 lakh each.
This year's Hockey India League (HIL) features an impressive lineup of eight men's teams and four women's teams, both leagues showcasing fast-paced, thrilling matches through their newly updated formats. The men's league commenced on December 28 at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, with the grand finale set for February 2025.
Meanwhile, the inaugural season of the women’s league is set to kick off on January 12 at Ranchi’s Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium, with the final scheduled for January 26. The women’s league is expected to deliver exhilarating action from start to finish. To broaden the league's reach, select matches from both the men’s and women’s tournaments will occur at various venues, bringing the excitement of the Hero HIL to diverse regions across the nation, ensuring hockey enthusiasts everywhere can enjoy the thrilling action.
HIL Chairman Dr. Dilip Tirkey expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This edition of Hero HIL represents a significant milestone in Indian hockey. The increased prize money and the addition of a women’s league will boost the growing popularity of hockey in the country. We believe this will not only motivate players but also inspire future generations of hockey talent and elevate the sport to new heights.”
Bhola Nath Singh, a member of the Hero HIL Governing Committee, remarked, “The Hero Hockey India League 2024-25 is a stride towards realizing our vision of establishing India as a global hockey powerhouse. The investment in prize money and individual accolades underscores our dedication to fostering an environment in which players can excel and the sport can thrive.”
