In one of the most dramatic encounters of the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025–26 season, Ranchi Royals held their nerve to defeat HIL GC 4–1 in a penalty shootout after the teams were locked at 4–4 at the end of regulation time at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium on Monday.
The contest ebbed and flowed over four quarters, producing eight goals in open play and a tense shootout that underlined the fine margins at this level. Araijeet Singh Hundal (19’, 32’), Sam Lane (42’) and Tom Boon (57’) were on target for the Royals during regulation time, while Lalit Kumar Upadhyay (25’, 53’), Kane Russell (36’) and Sudeep Chirmako (39’) scored for HIL GC. In the shootout, Vishnukant Singh, Sam Lane, Maxime van Oost and Tom Boon converted their chances, while goalkeeper Suraj Karkera emerged as the decisive figure between the posts.
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Ranchi Royals began the match with aggressive intent, pressing high and making multiple circle entries within the opening minute. Mandeep Singh was released clean through on goal early on, but HIL GC goalkeeper James Mazarelo produced a sharp save to keep the contest level. That intervention allowed HIL GC to regroup, and the remainder of the first quarter saw them enjoy longer spells of possession, though the Royals’ compact defensive structure limited clear scoring chances.
The first penalty corner of the match fell HIL GC’s way in the 18th minute, but Suraj Karkera stood firm to deny Kane Russell’s dragflick. Moments later, the Royals earned a set-piece of their own, though Tom Boon was unable to convert. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 19th minute through alert forward play. Mandeep Singh won possession high up the pitch and forced a save from Mazarelo, and Araijeet Singh Hundal reacted quickest to slot home the rebound into an open net.
HIL GC responded positively and drew level midway through the second quarter. Another penalty corner saw Russell’s initial effort blocked, but Lalit Kumar Upadhyay was perfectly positioned to tap in the loose ball in the 25th minute. The equaliser lifted the tempo of the match, with both sides committing numbers forward and trading attacks, though neither could find a decisive edge before the half-time whistle.
The third quarter mirrored the first half in its intensity. Once again, the Royals struck through sharp anticipation. Mandeep Singh’s powerful effort from the centre of the circle was saved, but Araijeet Singh Hundal followed up smartly to score his second goal of the night in the 32nd minute. The lead was short-lived. Three minutes later, Kane Russell underlined his reputation as one of the league’s most reliable dragflickers, converting a penalty corner in the 36th minute to restore parity.
Momentum Swings and End-to-End Drama
For the first time in the contest, HIL GC moved ahead in the 39th minute. Sudeep Chirmako produced a fine field goal, finishing off a swift attacking move to put his side 3–2 up. However, the Royals’ response was immediate. Jack Waller showed composure inside the circle, lofting the ball toward goal, where Sam Lane’s deft touch sent it looping over the goalkeeper to make it 3–3 just seconds later.
The final quarter delivered sustained drama. Both teams pushed hard for a winner, earning penalty corners at either end but finding goalkeepers in inspired form. Kane Russell was denied again by Karkera in the 47th minute, while Mazarelo produced a key save to keep out a Royals variation soon after.
With seven minutes remaining, HIL GC capitalised on a rare defensive lapse. A misplaced pass at the back fell kindly to Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, who made no mistake in finishing to give his side a 4–3 advantage in the 53rd minute. The Royals, however, showed composure under pressure. In the 57th minute, they won a crucial penalty corner, and Tom Boon stepped up to fire a precise strike into the top right corner, levelling the scores and forcing a shootout.
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The shootout belonged firmly to Ranchi Royals. Vishnukant Singh, Sam Lane, Maxime van Oost and Tom Boon all converted with confidence, while Suraj Karkera delivered under pressure to deny HIL GC’s attempts. His calm presence and sharp reflexes ensured a 4–1 shootout victory, bringing a pulsating contest to a decisive close.
The result capped a memorable evening at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium, showcasing the attacking quality, resilience and drama that have defined this season of the Hero Hockey India League. For Ranchi Royals, the win reinforced their ability to stay composed in high-pressure situations, while HIL GC, despite the defeat, demonstrated attacking depth and competitiveness that promise more tight contests ahead as the league progresses.
