Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers triumphed in the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2024-25 final, defeating Hyderabad Toofans 4-3. The thrilling match took place at Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela. As a result, the Tigers claimed the INR 3 crore prize, while the Toofans received INR 2 crore for finishing as runners-up.
Early Action
From the start, both teams tested each other's defenses. The Tigers initially used aerial passes, earning a penalty corner within the first few minutes. However, despite three attempts on goal from Jugraj Singh, the Toofans defended well. Shortly after, the Toofans took the initiative. Gonzalo Peillat converted a penalty corner, giving the Toofans a 1-0 lead in the 9th minute.Back-and-Forth Scoring
As the second quarter unfolded, the Toofans kept up the pressure, while the Tigers responded with quick counterattacks. With six minutes remaining in the quarter, Abhishek won a penalty corner for the Tigers. Jugraj Singh stepped up and fired a powerful drag flick into the left corner, leveling the score at 1-1. Yet, the Toofans didn’t back down. They earned another penalty corner moments later, and Amandeep Lakra fired a powerful flick past the goalkeeper to regain the lead for the Toofans, making it 2-1.Jugraj’s Hat-Trick and Equalizer
In the third quarter, the Tigers slowed the game down to create clearer goal-scoring chances. They earned a penalty corner, and Jugraj Singh’s precise drag flick found the back of the net, tying the game at 2-2. Soon after, another penalty corner allowed Jugraj to complete his hat-trick, giving the Tigers a 3-2 advantage. However, the Toofans responded quickly. They earned a penalty corner, and Peillat’s accurate flick made it 3-3, ensuring a tense finish to the quarter.Final Quarter and Victory
The Tigers came out strong in the final quarter, earning a couple of penalty corners early on. Tim Brand made key saves for the Toofans, but the Tigers kept pressing. With six minutes left, they earned yet another penalty corner. This time, Sam Lane made no mistake, flicking the ball past the goalkeeper to give the Tigers a 4-3 lead. The Toofans responded quickly, winning another penalty corner, but Jamie Carr denied Peillat’s shot. Ultimately, the Tigers ran down the clock and secured the victory.Award Winners
- Fairplay Award (Team): UP Rudras
- Best Goalkeeper: Bikramjit Singh, Hyderabad Toofans
- Upcoming Player: Arshdeep Singh, Hyderabad Toofans
- Top Scorer: Jugraj Singh, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers
- Player of the Tournament: Sukhjeet Singh, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers