Defending champions Shrachi Bengal Tigers produced a timely statement of intent in the Hero Hockey India League 2026 (Men), registering a pulsating 5–3 victory over Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Hockey Stadium in Ranchi on Tuesday.
Led by a captain’s performance from Jugraj Singh, who struck his first hat-trick of the season, the Tigers climbed from seventh to fourth in the points table, reigniting their campaign at a decisive stage of the league. For a side that entered the contest under pressure after a mixed run of results, this win carried significance beyond the scoreline. Against a Dragons unit known for their resilience and counterattacking threat, the Tigers showcased composure, attacking depth, and leadership when it mattered most.
Jugraj Singh, already established as one of the league’s most reliable penalty corner specialists, became only the second player this season to score a hat-trick, after HIL GC’s Kane Russell, who has already struck three. His three goals, combined with strikes from Sukhjeet Singh and Abhishek, ensured the Tigers walked away with all three points despite a late Dragons fightback. For Tamil Nadu Dragons, goals from Adrohit Ekka, Thomas Sorsby, and Blake Govers proved insufficient on a night where defensive lapses proved costly.
Read Articles Without Ads On Your IndiaSportsHub App. Download Now And Stay Updated
The Tigers started with intent, pressing high and forcing early turnovers. Abhishek was at the heart of their attacking thrust in the opening minutes, creating the first clear chance of the match, though the final touch deserted him. The breakthrough, however, arrived in the 11th minute when sustained pressure forced an error in the Dragons’ defense, resulting in a penalty stroke. Jugraj Singh stepped up against veteran goalkeeper David Harte and showed no hesitation, driving the ball low and hard to open the scoring. The early goal settled the Tigers and allowed them to control possession through the remainder of the first quarter.
The second quarter, though goalless, was not without drama. The Dragons attempted to claw their way back into the contest, with Uttam Singh leading their offensive efforts. However, the Tigers’ defensive structure held firm, cutting off passing lanes and denying clear shooting opportunities. Despite the scoreline favoring his side, Tigers head coach Valentin Altenburg was visibly animated at halftime, urging greater precision and intensity from his players.
That message was emphatically delivered after the break. The Tigers emerged for the third quarter with renewed purpose and doubled their advantage in the 33rd minute through a well-worked field goal. A sharp interchange between Tommy Willems and Abhishek dismantled the Dragons’ defensive shape, allowing Sukhjeet Singh to apply a composed finish and make it 2–0.
Tamil Nadu Dragons responded quickly, earning a penalty corner in the 36th minute. Adrohit Ekka made no mistake, converting with confidence to reduce the deficit and inject fresh belief into his side. But just as the Dragons sensed momentum, Jugraj Singh once again asserted his influence. In the 43rd minute, Jugraj converted from close range following sustained pressure, and two minutes later, he completed his hat-trick with another decisive finish. The back-to-back goals swung the match firmly in the Tigers’ favour, extending their lead to 4–1 and underlining their dominance in the third quarter.
With a three-goal cushion heading into the final period, the Tigers appeared to be cruising. However, the Dragons refused to fade quietly. Thomas Sorsby struck in the 48th minute to narrow the margin, before Blake Govers added another in the 51st minute, setting up a tense final phase and exposing some defensive vulnerabilities in the Tigers’ ranks.
As pressure mounted, the closing minutes became increasingly frantic, marked by video referrals and heated exchanges. The Tigers, to their credit, held their nerve and earned a crucial penalty corner in the 55th minute. What followed proved decisive. Executing a clever variation, Tom Grambusch unleashed a powerful drag-flick, and Abhishek, alert at the near post, deftly deflected the ball into the net. The goal restored a two-goal cushion at 5–3 and effectively sealed the contest, allowing the Tigers to see out the remaining minutes with renewed control.
For Shrachi Bengal Tigers, this victory represented more than just three points. It was a reaffirmation of their championship credentials and a reminder of the leadership qualities Jugraj Singh brings to the side. His ability to deliver in high-pressure moments once again proved invaluable as the league enters its business end. The Dragons, meanwhile, will take encouragement from their spirited comeback but will rue the defensive lapses that allowed the Tigers to capitalize so ruthlessly. With the competition tightening at the top, such margins could prove decisive.
Read Articles Without Ads On Your IndiaSportsHub App. Download Now And Stay Updated
As the Hero Hockey India League 2026 gathers momentum, this high-octane encounter served as a reminder of why the league continues to grow in stature competitive, unpredictable, and driven by moments of individual brilliance. For the Tigers, the roar has returned at just the right time.
