The conclusion of the Men's Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 season marked a thrilling finish as the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers emerged victorious, overcoming the Hyderabad Toofans 4-3 in the grand final held on February 2, 2025, at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium, Rourkela. This victory, celebrated amid roaring crowds, crowned the Tigers as champions for the first time, securing them the coveted prize of INR 3 crore.
Right from the first whistle, the match showcased the intensity and competitiveness fans have come to expect from this premier league. The evening was significant not only for the teams involved but also for players showcasing their skills on a prominent national stage. The final was tightly contested, with significant efforts displayed by both squads. The Tigers navigated through the game with strategic aerial passages and impressive penalty corner executions.
Jugraj Singh was the star of the night, delivering an unforgettable performance, scoring three goals. His hat trick was pivotal, particularly as it came after the Hyderabad team had initially surged to 1-0 and 3-2 leads during the game. Judge it as his personal stage, Jugraj was lauded by his coach Craig Fulton, who stated, "This was Jugi’s Olympics," emphasizing the importance of his performance to both the player and the national team's prospects.
Jugraj's first goal came from a well-executed penalty corner shortly after the Toofans took the lead through Gonzalo Peillat's flick. The Hyderabad team responded with strong defensive play, which included effective setups to handle the Tigers' initial corner attempts. The back-and-forth scoring created palpable tension, with Amandeep Lakra contributing another goal for the Toofans, bringing the score to 2-1 at one point.
Yet, demonstrating remarkable resilience, Jugraj capitalized on every opportunity granted to him. Coach Deepak Thakur encouraged him pre-game, stating, "This is your stage, you have to show what you got," which seemed to resonate throughout the match. Jugraj's second goal tied the game again after Lakra’s strike, and his third followed shortly after, lifting the Tigers to the front.
The final moments of the match saw the Toofans equalizing once more, courtesy of Peillat, who continued to display his skills throughout the tournament. Yet, the determination of the Tigers shone through when Sam Lane secured the winning goal with just minutes remaining, demonstrating the competitive nature of both teams.
The Tigers' coach, Craig Fulton, acknowledged the impact of Jugraj's performance, cautioning the need for experience at the international level, particularly highlighting Harmanpreet Singh's contributions to the national team: "Harman has done it...This was Jugi’s Olympics," he reiterated. Fulton’s remarks gave tribute not only to Jugraj’s accomplishments but also to the importance of learning from experienced players.
With this championship, the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers have etched their name firmly within the annals of Hockey India League history. The final match served to underline the league's potential for nurturing talent and providing players with the platform to excel. Jugraj emerged as the top scorer of the tournament with 12 goals, showcasing his growth and future prospects.
This edition of the HIL also reinstated the tournament’s relevance, having returned after seven years, and marked the introduction of the women’s division, which fairly complemented the established men’s tournament. The Hockey India League is once again paving the way for future hockey stars to shine, building their legacies and propelling the sport forward.
The season may have concluded, but the spirit of competition and hockey enthusiasm marks the legacy of this championship. The Tigers have proven they are formidable contenders, motivated and ready to take on future challenges, with Jugraj Singh’s brilliant display establishing him as one of the key figures to watch. His performance has captured the attention of hockey aficionados across the nation, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting future for both him personally and for the national team.