Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], January 27 : As Vedanta Kalinga Lancers clinched the Men's Hockey India League (HIL) title, Alexander Hendrickx credited his team's hard work and energy for their win, saying they're all heroes.
Lancers defeated Ranchi Royals 3-2 in a thrilling Final to claim the HIL title in front of home fans at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium on Monday.
"I don't feel like the hero of the match. I think the whole team is the hero of the match. We worked really hard. We said before the game we are working really hard, and we'll give our best, and I think we defended well, and it is a deserved win in the end," Alexander Hendrickx told ANI.
Alexander (4', 27') and Dilpreet Singh (25') scored for the Lancers. Meanwhile, Araijeet Singh Hundal (9') and Captain Tom Boon (59') were the goal scorers for Ranchi Royals.
Lancers' head coach Jason John Mark expressed his thrill with the team's win, praising their discipline and hard work throughout the season. He highlighted their strong structure and penalty corner strategy, saying it's a terrific win and a great moment for the team.
"It's a marvellous reaction for the crowd. It's a terrific win. We've been working hard all season for this moment. The boys have been very disciplined throughout the season. Our structure held up very well. Our penalty corners were also good," Jason John Mark told ANI.
Manpreet Singh of the Ranchi Royals expressed his disappointment at the defeat and felt the final was a good contest.
"It was a good match today. I am disappointed that we lost. But the team had a good comeback and gave it their all to the last whistle," Manpreet Singh told ANI.
Hockey India League announced prize money of Rs 3 crores to Champions Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, Rs 2 Crore for the Runners Up Ranchi Royals and Rs 1 Crore to the Third-Place team Hyderabad Toofans, who defeated HIL GC earlier in the day.
Majhi and State Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj presented the trophy and the winning cheque of Rs 3 crore to the Kalinga Lancers' Captain Arthur Van Doren. HIL GC was awarded the Fairplay Award.
Tamil Nadu Dragons goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh won the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament, and Talem Priyobarta of HIL GC earned the Upcoming Player of the Tournament award, with both players receiving Rs 10 Lakh each.
Ranchi Royals' Captain Tom Boon won the Top Scorer of the Tournament with 19 goals to his name and was awarded Rs 10 Lakh, while Hyderabad Toofans' Amandeep Lakra was crowned the Hero Player of the Tournament and was awarded Rs 20 Lakh.