Rs 2.5 crore prize money for HIL winners

New Delhi: Hockey India League (HIL) on Monday announced a whopping Rs 2.5 crore as prize money for the champions of the inaugural edition of the ongoing franchise-based event.

Apart from the cash prize, the winning team will take home a glittering trophy as well. The runner-up side will take home Rs 1.25 crore while the third-placed team will get richer by Rs 75 lakhs, a Hockey India (HI) statement said. Announcing the cash awards, HI secretary general and HIL chairman Narinder Batra said that the Player of the Tournament will receive Rs 25 lakh and a trophy, while the Upcoming Player of the Tournament will receive the Ponty Chadha Trophy along with a sum of Rs 20 lakh. The team scoring the highest number of goals in the league stage will also be awarded along with cash prize of Rs 10 lakh. The Fair play trophy will also be given to the team with the least number of green, yellow and red cards during the tournament. "The Hero Hockey India League is proud to announce these exciting awards for the teams and the players who are putting up a great show for millions of fans of the game across the world. The cash prizes come as rewards for the franchisee, players and the support staff`s hard work and dedication to make the league the best in the world," Batra said. In total, the HIL will be distributing Rs 5.40 crore as prize money. PTI