ISL champions Atletico de Kolkata pocket Rs 8 crore

Luis Garcia receives the prize money from Nita Ambani

Mumbai, December 21 (IANS)

Atletico de Kolkata not only laid their hands on the coveted Indian Super League (ISL) trophy, but also pocketed Rs. 8 crore as champions' prize money, while their marquee player Luis Garcia was adjudged the tournament's most exciting player.

Mohammad Rafique, whose 94-minute header sealed the deal for Atletico in the final, bagged the prize for the hero of the match.

Runners Kerala Blasters FC were richer by Rs 4 crore, while losing semi-finalists FC Goa and Chennayin FC earned Rs 1.5 crore each.

The award for the best player of the tournament was given to the Brazilian midfielder Elano Blumer who shone throughout the tournament, netting eight goals for his side Chennaiyin FC. Elano, however, donated the prize money for the development of football in India – a brilliant gesture from the 33-year-old.

The prize for the tournament's best goalkeeper was taken home by Czech Jan Seda of FC Goa, while Delhi Dynamos was awarded the Fair Play trophy.

The award for the emerging player of the league went to the 21-year-old defender of the Blasters, Sandesh Jhinghan.

Greece's midfielder Kostas Katsouranis, who turned up in Pune colours this season, got the award for the best goal, for scoring a brilliant 30 yarder in their win against Atletico in the first leg of the group stage encounter in Kolkata.

The Hero of the League award was given away to the Canadian forward of Kerala, Iain Hume for his five goals and three assists.

The other awardees for the final were the Atletico custodian Edel Bete for the best save for thwarting Englishman Michael Chopra's shot.

Spanish defender for Atletico ATK Josemi got the fittest player of the match.