Ranchi, Jan 9 (NationPress) After two weeks filled with exhilarating hockey action, encompassing 12 matches and a total of 37 goals in the Women’s Hockey India League 2025-26, the anticipation builds as SG Pipers prepare to face off against Shrachi Bengal Tigers in the final. This highly awaited match is set to occur at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi on Saturday.

The victorious team of the Women’s Hockey India League will be awarded Rs 1.5 crore, while the runners-up will receive Rs 1 crore.

Additionally, the Ranchi Royals, who secured third place, will be granted Rs 50 lakh. The Player of the Tournament will take home Rs 20 lakh, with individual accolades such as the Best Goalkeeper, Upcoming Player, and Top Scorer each offering a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh. The Fairplay Trophy will also be awarded to the team that best exemplifies the spirit of the game throughout the season.

Analyzing the finalists, both teams exhibit similar playing styles and have performed admirably in this competitive Women’s HIL season. The SG Pipers emerged as the top team in the league stage, accumulating 11 points with three minutes left to play, while the Shrachi Bengal Tigers secured the second position with 10 points, achieving two wins in regular time and two victories in shootouts, just edging out the Ranchi Royals who accumulated 9 points.

These two teams faced each other twice during the league stage, with the Shrachi Bengal Tigers triumphing in both encounters via penalty shootouts.

In their first match, after a 3-3 stalemate, the Tigers clinched a 4-3 victory in the shootout. In their second meeting, they managed to secure a 7-6 win in the shootout after a goalless draw.

However, statistical data from the league stage leans in favor of the SG Pipers. They are the second-highest goal scorers of the tournament, netting 11 goals, only falling short of the Ranchi Royals who scored 13 goals. Their captain, Navneet Kaur, has been pivotal, netting 4 goals thus far.

Additionally, Lola Riera (3 goals) and Sunelita Toppo (2 goals) have also contributed, alongside Jyoti Singh and Maria Teresa Vianaache who have found the back of the net. The Pipers also boast the second-best defensive record in the league, having conceded only 9 goals during the group stage.

Reflecting on her team’s progress, Navneet Kaur, Captain of SG Pipers, stated, “Our journey has been remarkable, and reaching the final is a testament to the dedication of every player. From finishing last season at the bottom of the table to topping it this year, this comeback has been phenomenal. We’ve played with courage and determination, and our goal now is to finish strong. The team is eager and motivated to bring the trophy home.”

Conversely, the Shrachi Bengal Tigers have scored only seven goals in the tournament, with 5 of those courtesy of penalty corner specialist Agustina Gorzelany. Lalremsiami has also contributed with a couple of goals. However, they aim to bolster their defense after allowing 11 goals in the league stage. With Vandana Katariya at the helm, the team has a wealth of experience to draw upon as they prepare for the crucial matchup.

Expressing her views on the team's journey, the captain of the Shrachi Bengal Tigers shared, “From the outset, our coach emphasized the importance of fighting for the title. Having won in the Men’s league last season, he is determined to replicate that success with us. Our mindset has been to improve with each game, and now it’s about maintaining consistency. We’ve cultivated strong team dynamics through meetings and a deep understanding of one another's play. Our sole focus is on emerging as champions.”

With two evenly matched teams in great form, fans of hockey can eagerly anticipate an electrifying contest as a new champion is poised to be crowned in Ranchi.