January 8, 2025: The Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 is set to become the most lucrative edition in the league’s history, with a total prize money pool exceeding Rs 10 crores. This year promises to deliver fierce competition, with top-tier men’s and women’s hockey at the forefront, and substantial rewards for both teams and individual players.
Prize Money Breakdown:
- Men’s HIL:
- Winner: Rs 3 crore
- Runners-up: Rs 2 crore
- Third place: Rs 1 crore
- Women’s HIL:
- Winner: Rs 1.5 crore
- Runners-up: Rs 1 crore
- Third place: Rs 50 lakh
In addition to the team rewards, individual players will also be recognized for their exceptional performances, thanks to Hero MotoCorp, the tournament’s title sponsor.
- Individual Performance-Based Awards:
- Player of the Match (Men’s and Women’s): Rs 50,000 each
- Player of the Tournament (Men’s and Women’s): Rs 20 lakh each
- Best Goalkeeper, Upcoming Player, and Top Scorer in the Men’s HIL will receive Rs 10 lakh each, while in the Women’s HIL, the same categories will be awarded Rs 5 lakh each.
Tournament Structure and Schedule:
The 2024-25 Hockey India League features a total of eight men’s teams and four women’s teams. The newly revamped formats for both leagues promise thrilling and fast-paced matches, with the men’s league already underway.
- Men’s League: The competition started on December 28, 2024, at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, with the grand finale scheduled for February 2025.
- Women’s League: The inaugural women’s edition will kick off on January 12, 2025, at Ranchi’s Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium, with the final slated for January 26, 2025.
In an effort to broaden the league’s reach, select matches from both tournaments will be hosted at various venues across the country, allowing hockey fans nationwide to experience the excitement firsthand.
Dr. Dilip Tirkey, Chairman of HIL, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “This edition of Hero HIL marks a significant milestone in Indian hockey. The increased prize money and the inclusion of a women’s league will add to the growing popularity of hockey in the country. We are confident this will not only encourage players but also inspire the next generation of hockey talent and take the sport to new heights.”
Bhola Nath Singh, a member of the HIL Governing Committee, highlighted the vision for the sport’s growth in India, stating, “The Hockey India League 2024-25 is a step forward in realising our vision of making India a global hockey powerhouse. The investment in prize money and individual awards reflects our commitment to creating an environment where players can thrive and the sport can continue to grow.”
With the record-breaking prize money and a diverse range of talent, this year’s Hockey India League is set to elevate the sport to new heights, engaging both players and fans alike.
