Kalinga Lancers won Hockey India League

Moritz Fuerste led from the front as Kalinga Lancers ended Dabang Mumbai dreams of lifting the coveted trophy in their first ever final appearance. Fuerste scored twice while Glenn Turner stuck once in the 18^th minute to help Lancers win their first ever Hockey India League title.

Table toppers Dabang Mumbai who have shown great consistency through the league were kept in the hunt right from the word go with Kalinga Lancers showcasing some class act to defend their circle. Though the first quarter ended in a stalemate, the Kalinga Lancers made quick progress in the second quarter when Aussie forward Glenn Turner, after a brilliant assist by skipper Moritz Fuerste, ensured a 2-0 lead in the 18th minute.

Earlier in the day, the Uttar Pradesh Wizards beat Delhi Waveriders 5-4 in a closely-fought encounter to take home the third-place award of Rs 75.00 Lakhs. Though Delhi Waveriders took an early lead in the 15th minute with Justin Reid-Ross scoring a field goal, Shamsher Singh (18’) equalized for Uttar Pradesh Wizards. But the real turn around for Roelant Oltmans’ men came in the final quarter when Agustin Mazzilli scored an incredible field goal to give the Uttar Pradesh Wizards the winning edge.

Gonzalo Peillat’s 38th minute goal had reduced the deficit for Uttar Pradesh Wizards to 3-4 after Delhi Waveriders skipper Rupinder Pal Singh had struck twice (24’ and 36’) to convert PCs. Moritz Fuerste of Kalinga Lancers was declared the Man of the Match and was awarded a prize money of Rs 50,000 by Mr. Mahavir Mukherjee, CGM, Coal India Limited.

Hockey India League 2015

The first sport tournament of India has started. Hockey League India is a professional league for field hockey competition in India. It is organized by Hockey India. The tournament is contested between six franchises consisting players from India and around the world. The first season of Hockey India League was kicked off in 2013 with five franchises, which was won by Ranchi Rhinos. In 2014, Kalinga Lancers was sixth franchise. Delhi Waveriders won 2014 season.

The third season of HIL (Hockey India League) will run from 22 January 2015 with the final on 22 February 2015 among six teams. The plan is to have 8 teams by 2016 and 10 teams by 2018, with a possibility of having a team from south India. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has sanctioned the event and also provides a 30-day window at the beginning of a year so that all top players can participate. Two-wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp currently sponsors it.

This season will see the debut of two new franchises. Ranchi Rays will replace Ranchi Rhinos and Dabang Mumbai will replace Mumbai Magicians. The idea behind the tournament was to promote Hockey in India and generate more players for the National Team. Players get an opportunity to play with other countries players and get a good exposure of teaming up with them. This helps them in building their skills. Each HIL Franchise has 24 players, which include 10 foreign players and 14 Indian players. The players are always acquired in an Auction.

Indian Mid-fielder Sardar Singh and Australian Jamie Dwyer were named as brand ambassadors of the Hockey India League. Three-time FIH world player of the Year Teun de Nooijer was signed as HIL third brand ambassador. The tournament is broadcasted worldwide and Hero is the ambassador since 2013. By HIL, Hockey is again tightening its grip in India. This not only will improve Indian hockey team players skills but will also encourage more players to inclined towards Hockey.