Bhubaneswar: Vedanta Kalinga Lancers lifted the Men’s Hero Hockey India League (HIL) title after edging Ranchi Royals 3–2 in the final at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium on Monday. A packed home crowd watched the high-intensity contest.
Alexander Hendrickx struck twice in the 4th and 27th minutes to give the Lancers early control. Dilpreet Singh added another goal in the 25th minute. Araijeet Singh Hundal scored in the 9th minute for Ranchi Royals, while Captain Tom Boon pulled one back in the 59th minute.
The HIL declared a total prize pool of Rs6 crore following the final match. Champions Vedanta Kalinga Lancers took home Rs3 crore. Ranchi Royals earned Rs2 crore as runners-up, according to reports.
Hyderabad Toofans secured third place in the tournament. They claimed Rs1 crore after defeating HIL GC earlier in the day.
HIL GC earned the Fairplay Award for discipline and sportsmanship. Prince Deep Singh of Tamil Nadu Dragons claimed the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament honour. Talem Priyobarta of HIL GC secured the Upcoming Player of the Tournament award. Both players received Rs10 lakh each.
Ranchi Royals captain Tom Boon topped the scoring charts with 19 goals. He received Rs10 lakh for the achievement. Amandeep Lakra of Hyderabad Toofans claimed the Hero Player of the Tournament award and collected Rs20 lakh.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi congratulated the champions during a grand closing ceremony. He praised the players and organisers for delivering a successful tournament.
