SG Pipers held their nerve under pressure to defeat Shrachi Bengal Tigers 1-1 (3-2 in shoot-out) in a gripping final and lift the Women’s Hero Hockey India League 2025–26 title at a packed stadium in Ranchi on Saturday.
In a contest defined by fine margins, defensive discipline, and goalkeeping excellence, the Pipers prevailed in the shoot-out after regulation time ended level, sealing the championship in dramatic fashion. Goals from Lalremsiami (16’) for Shrachi Bengal Tigers and Preeti Dubey (53’) for SG Pipers ensured the final remained alive deep into the fourth quarter. The decisive moments arrived in the shoot-out, where SG Pipers captain Navneet Kaur, Juana Castellaro and Lola Riera converted their chances, while goalkeeper Bansari Solanki produced a series of crucial saves to swing the title in her side’s favour.
The opening quarter set the tone for a tightly fought final, with both teams battling for midfield control and testing each other’s defensive structures. SG Pipers looked sharper in transition early on and nearly struck within the first few minutes when Priscilla Jardel’s incisive cross found Jyoti Singh in front of goal, but the forward failed to get a decisive touch. Juana Castellaro followed that up with a backhanded effort in the 13th minute, only for Shrachi Bengal Tigers goalkeeper Jennifer Rizzo to pull off an important save.
Moments later, the Pipers earned the first penalty corner of the match, but Lalremsiami’s sharp first rush denied Lola Riera’s drag-flick attempt. Despite SG Pipers’ early intent, the opening quarter ended scoreless, with both defenses holding firm.
The breakthrough arrived early in the second quarter, and it was Shrachi Bengal Tigers who struck first. A sharp ball from Sushila Chanu split the Pipers’ defence and found Lalremsiami (16’) inside the circle. The forward showed composure and power, controlling the pass before firing home to give the Tigers a crucial lead in the final.
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Buoyed by the goal, the Tigers pressed for more and earned penalty corners in the 19th and 22nd minutes, but were unable to extend their advantage. SG Pipers responded with a penalty corner of their own late in the half, though once again the Tigers’ defense stood tall, ensuring they went into the break with a slender 1-0 lead.
Shrachi Bengal Tigers carried their momentum into the third quarter, enjoying sustained spells of possession and creating quality chances. Agustina Gorzelany came agonizingly close to doubling the lead in the 35th minute when her drag-flick crashed against the post. The Tigers continued to threaten, forcing SG Pipers goalkeeper Cristina Cosentino into two outstanding back-to-back saves against Vandana Katariya and Victoria Manuele.
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SG Pipers struggled to break through in the third quarter but remained patient. A penalty corner opportunity in the 45th minute offered a route back into the contest, yet Riera’s flick was once again blocked, leaving the Pipers with work to do heading into the final phase. That persistence finally paid off in the 53rd minute. After a sustained spell of pressure and multiple attempts on goal, Preeti Dubey found space inside the circle and unleashed a backhanded shot that deflected off Jennifer Rizzo’s stick and into the net, bringing SG Pipers level and reigniting the final.
Both teams pushed hard for a winner in the closing minutes. Shrachi Bengal Tigers came within inches of reclaiming the lead when Vandana Katariya found herself unmarked in front of goal, but Lola Riera produced a vital block to deny the effort and force the match into a shoot-out.
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The shoot-out proved decisive. Navneet Kaur and Juana Castellaro converted confidently for SG Pipers, while a foul on Kaitlin Nobbs resulted in a penalty stroke that Lola Riera dispatched calmly. At the other end, Bansari Solanki delivered a standout performance, making three crucial saves, including stopping a penalty stroke, to seal a memorable title win for the Pipers.
The final also capped a successful tournament for SG Pipers, with Solanki named Best Goalkeeper and Sunelita Toppo receiving the Upcoming Player of the Tournament award. Shrachi Bengal Tigers’ Agustina Gorzelany finished as the competition’s top scorer, while Navneet Kaur was crowned Hero Player of the Tournament. Ranchi Royals were awarded the Fairplay Award.
Hockey India announced prize money of INR 1.5 crore for champions SG Pipers, INR 1 crore for runners-up Shrachi Bengal Tigers, and INR 50 lakh for third-placed Ranchi Royals, underlining the growing stature of the Women’s Hero Hockey India League.
