Vedanta Kalinga Lancers capped off a memorable season in front of their home fans with a gripping 3–2 victory over Ranchi Royals in the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025–26 Final at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium on Monday.
Backed by a sea of passionate supporters in Bhubaneswar, the Lancers showed composure, clinical finishing and defensive resilience to overcome the most potent attacking side of the tournament and lift the coveted HIL trophy. Alexander Hendrickx, once again the spearhead of Kalinga’s penalty-corner battery, struck twice in the 4th and 27th minutes, while Dilpreet Singh added a crucial field goal in the 25th. For Ranchi Royals, Araijeet Singh Hundal (9’) and captain Tom Boon (59’) found the net, but their late surge fell just short as Kalinga held firm to seal a famous win.
The night also marked a grand celebration of Indian and international hockey, with the Hockey India League announcing prize money of ₹3 crore for the champions, ₹2 crore for the runners-up Ranchi Royals and ₹1 crore for third-placed Hyderabad Toofans, who had earlier defeated HIL GC in the bronze medal match. Individual brilliance was also recognised, with Ranchi’s Tom Boon walking away with the Top Scorer of the Tournament award after finishing with 19 goals, while Hyderabad’s Amandeep Lakra was named Hero Player of the Tournament.
Tamil Nadu Dragons’ Prince Deep Singh was awarded Best Goalkeeper, and Talem Priyobarta of HIL GC claimed the Upcoming Player of the Tournament honour.
From the opening whistle, the Final lived up to its billing as a clash of the two best sides of the season. Both teams pressed high, moved the ball quickly and looked to assert themselves inside the circle. The Lancers, roared on by their home crowd, drew first blood in the fourth minute. A string of penalty corners forced Ranchi deep into defence, and Hendrickx made no mistake, unleashing a trademark dragflick that screamed past Suraj Karkera to give Kalinga an early advantage.
Ranchi, however, showed why they had been the league’s most dangerous attacking unit. Just five minutes later, they found a superb equaliser. Yashdeep Siwach floated a delightful cross-field ball from the left flank, which Araijeet Singh Hundal controlled brilliantly before smashing a powerful shot into the net. The goal not only levelled the contest but also shifted momentum, and for a brief spell the Royals looked the more threatening side.
The second quarter proved decisive. Kalinga tightened their structure and began to dominate the penalty-corner exchanges, pinning Ranchi in their own half. In the 25th minute, Hendrickx’s dragflick was well saved by Karkera, but Dilpreet Singh reacted sharply, pouncing on the rebound to slot the ball home and restore the Lancers’ lead. The pressure did not relent, and just two minutes later Kalinga were back at the circle. This time Hendrickx went straight through the heart of the Royals’ defence, firing a ferocious dragflick into the top corner to make it 3–1 and put the hosts in control at the break.
Ranchi emerged from halftime with renewed purpose. The third quarter saw them enjoy more of the ball as they tried to break down a disciplined Kalinga backline. A penalty corner in the 36th minute offered hope, but Tom Boon’s flick was bravely blocked by the first rusher. Moments later, Araijeet once again found himself in a dangerous position inside the circle, only for Krishan Bahadur Pathak to produce a sharp save to deny him. Despite sustained pressure, Ranchi could not find a way past the Lancers’ deep defensive line.
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The final quarter was a test of nerve. Ranchi threw everything forward, knowing that only goals would keep their title dream alive. Pathak rose to the occasion, producing a series of outstanding saves, including a stunning stick stop in the 54th minute that brought the crowd to its feet. Sam Lane, Tom Boon and Nilam Sanjeep Xess all had chances, but Kalinga’s goalkeeper stood tall.
With a minute to go, Ranchi finally broke through. From a penalty corner, Boon drilled a low, precise dragflick past Pathak to make it 3–2 and set up a frantic finish. The Royals surged forward in search of an equaliser, but the Lancers held their shape and ran down the clock to secure a historic triumph.
As the final hooter sounded, Bhubaneswar erupted in celebration. For Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, it was the perfect ending to a season built on defensive solidity, lethal set pieces and unwavering belief. For Ranchi Royals, it was a valiant effort that fell just short. But on this night, under the lights at the Kalinga Stadium, the crown belonged to the Lancers.
