JSW Soorma Hockey Club produced one of the standout results of the Men’s Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2025–26 season, defeating table-toppers Vedanta Kalinga Lancers 2–1 at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.
In their final league-stage outing, the Lancers suffered their first loss of the campaign, while Soorma claimed three vital points to keep their slim playoff hopes alive and move up to sixth place on the standings.
Goals from Jeetpal in the 23rd minute and Vivek Sagar Prasad in the 38th proved decisive for Soorma, who combined tactical discipline with relentless work rate to outmanoeuvre a Lancers side that had been near flawless until this point. Victor Wegnez was deservedly named Player of the Match for his tireless contribution across both halves, setting the tempo with his defensive solidity and attacking transitions.
The contest began with a cautious opening phase, as both teams prioritised structure and ball security in the early exchanges. The first five minutes saw neither side commit heavily, but the Lancers soon began to assert control over possession. Their first clear opening arrived in the sixth minute through Henderson, whose movement in the circle tested the Soorma defence. However, the backline stood firm, forcing the chance wide and signalling their intent to frustrate the league leaders.
While the Lancers enjoyed more of the ball, Soorma looked sharper on the counterattack. Their ability to transition quickly earned them the first penalty corner of the match in the 10th minute. Captain Harmanpreet Singh stepped up, but his drag-flick drifted wide, offering an early reprieve for the Lancers. At the other end, the table-toppers came close to breaking the deadlock late in the quarter through a penalty corner of their own, only for goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch to produce two outstanding saves in quick succession. His interventions ensured the opening quarter ended goalless.
The second quarter unfolded with a similar rhythm, both sides maintaining disciplined defensive shapes and probing patiently for openings. Soorma captain Harmanpreet Singh nearly unlocked the Lancers’ defence in the 17th minute with a clever pass into Lucas Martinez, but the final touch eluded the forward. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 23rd minute following a sustained spell of controlled passing by Soorma. Nicolas Keenan surged down the left flank and fired a shot that was initially saved by goalkeeper Jed Snowden. However, Jeetpal reacted fastest to the rebound, calmly slotting the ball home to give Soorma a deserved 1–0 lead.
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The goal visibly unsettled the Lancers, who struggled to find their usual fluency in response. Frustration crept into their play as Soorma continued to close spaces efficiently. Matters worsened for the league leaders in the closing moments of the half when Dilpreet Singh was shown a 10-minute yellow card, leaving his side temporarily a man down heading into the second half.
Soorma wasted no time in exploiting the numerical advantage. They began the third quarter with renewed intensity, pressing high and forcing errors. In the 35th minute, they earned another penalty corner, with Harmanpreet Singh’s near-perfect drag-flick drawing an excellent save from Krishan Pathak. The pressure continued to mount, and just three minutes later, Soorma earned a succession of penalty corners. Opting for a clever variation instead of a direct shot, the ball was slipped to Vivek Sagar Prasad, who made no mistake in finding the net to double Soorma’s lead at 2–0.
The Lancers responded with urgency, launching wave after wave of attacks in an effort to claw their way back into the contest. However, Vanasch remained resolute, producing a series of key interventions to deny the table-toppers. The third quarter ended with Soorma firmly in control, though aware that the Lancers were capable of turning the game in an instant.
That moment arrived in the final quarter when the Lancers finally broke through in the 48th minute. Henderson found space inside the circle and converted clinically to reduce the deficit to 2–1, injecting fresh belief into the league leaders. From there, the tempo rose dramatically. The Lancers pressed relentlessly, pinning Soorma deep and searching for the equaliser. In the 53rd minute, Marias came agonisingly close, his shot flashing just wide of the post.
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The closing minutes were frantic, with the Lancers committing numbers forward and Soorma forced into a defensive stand. Led by the indefatigable Victor Wegnez, Soorma absorbed the pressure with composure and discipline, blocking passing lanes and clearing danger under intense scrutiny. When the final whistle sounded, it confirmed a famous victory for Soorma and a rare stumble for the previously unbeaten Lancers.
The result not only reshaped the league table but also served as a reminder of the fine margins in the HIL. For Soorma, it was a statement of resilience and belief. For the Lancers, it was a timely wake-up call as the league heads towards its decisive phase.
