HIL 2024-25: Soorma's Harmanpreet Singh Thrilled to Start the Season with Two Points
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Rourkela (Odisha), Dec 30 (NationPress) The captain of Soorma Hockey Club, Harmanpreet Singh, expressed his excitement after starting their journey in the Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 season with two points, following a shootout triumph over Tamil Nadu Dragons at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela on Sunday.
Nathan Ephraums (49’) netted the opening goal for Tamil Nadu Dragons in the fourth quarter, but Gurjant Singh (54’) swiftly equalized for Soorma Hockey Club, resulting in a 1-1 tie at the end of regulation.
Harmanpreet, along with Victor Wegnez, Vivek Sagar Prasad, and Nicolas Keenan, scored for Soorma Hockey Club, while Vincent Vanasch made two crucial saves, leading to a final score of 1-1 (4-1) in the penalty shootouts.
“We maintained possession for the majority of the game and performed well throughout. This was our first match with new players, and we’ve made significant progress. In our next game, we aim to improve and secure a win. Shootouts are always a toss-up, and we’re pleased to have emerged victorious and start with two points,” Harmanpreet remarked post-match.
With this victory, Soorma Hockey Club has claimed the third position in the points table and will face UP Rudras in their upcoming match on Thursday.
In another match that day, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers defeated Hyderabad Toofans 3-2, earning three valuable points.
As of now, the Bengal Tigers lead the HIL standings, followed by Delhi SG Pipers in second place and Soorma Hockey Club in third. Team Gonasika and Tamil Nadu Dragons occupy the fourth and fifth spots, respectively.
UP Rudras and Kalinga Lancers are yet to play their opening matches in the tournament, while Hyderabad Toofans have not yet registered any points this season.
