Can Ranchi Royals Overcome Hyderabad Toofans to Reach the Final?
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Synopsis
In a gripping encounter at Kalinga Hockey Stadium, Ranchi Royals triumphed over Hyderabad Toofans with a 3-2 scoreline, thanks to Tom Boon's hat-trick. This victory sends the Royals to the HIL 2026 final against Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, promising an exciting showdown ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Ranchi Royals secured their spot in the final with a 3-2 victory.
- Tom Boon’s hat-trick was pivotal to the win.
- The match showcased thrilling hockey action and competitive spirit.
- Hyderabad Toofans fought hard but fell short despite a strong start.
- The final against Vedanta Kalinga Lancers promises to be an exciting clash.
Bhubaneswar, Jan 25 (NationPress) Ranchi Royals achieved an exhilarating 3-2 victory against Hyderabad Toofans in qualifier 2 of the men's Hockey India League (HIL) 2026 at the renowned Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
The standout performance came from Tom Boon, who netted a hat-trick with goals at the 13th, 15th, and 34th minutes, securing the Royals’ spot in the final against Vedanta Kalinga Lancers on Monday. On the opposing side, Jacob Anderson (5') and Amandeep Lakra (38') contributed one goal each for the Toofans.
The match commenced with a bang as Jacob Anderson scored a spectacular goal in the fifth minute, assisted by Rajinder Singh, who maneuvered through three defenders to set up Anderson perfectly in front of the net.
Just moments prior, Manpreet Singh had taken a remarkable shot from outside the D, but Manmeet Singh narrowly missed connecting with it. The early 1-0 lead for Toofans appeared promising, but they quickly faltered by conceding two penalty corners to the Royals, a setup that Tom Boon was eager to exploit.
Boon capitalized on the first two penalty corners, scoring back-to-back goals with precise injections from the experienced Manpreet Singh to conclude a thrilling opening quarter.
The second quarter saw no goals despite several impressive attempts by both teams, reflecting their determination to secure a place in the final. The Royals emerged from halftime with a clear objective to extend their lead.
In the 34th minute, Tom Boon was again the focal point when his team earned another penalty corner. A sharp injection from Manpreet set Boon up to flick the ball past the Toofans’ goalkeeper, pushing the Royals ahead 3-1. However, just four minutes later, Amandeep Lakra, a bronze medalist from the Junior World Cup, stylishly scored for the Toofans from a well-executed penalty corner.
The final quarter was rife with tension as the Toofans intensified their efforts to equalize, creating several opportunities through penalty corners. However, they were unable to convert these chances, while the Royals maintained a solid defense to preserve their 3-2 lead.
Point of View
It’s evident that the Ranchi Royals showcased not only skill but also resilience in their journey to the finals of the HIL 2026. This match reflected the passion and competitiveness of Indian hockey, aligning with the nation's growing enthusiasm for the sport.
NationPress
25/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the HIL qualifier 2 match?
Ranchi Royals won the HIL qualifier 2 match against Hyderabad Toofans with a score of 3-2.
Who scored the hat-trick for Ranchi Royals?
Tom Boon scored a hat-trick for Ranchi Royals in their match against Hyderabad Toofans.
When is the final match of HIL 2026?
The final match of the HIL 2026 is scheduled for Monday.
Where was the match held?
The match was held at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
What was the score when the game ended?
The final score of the game was 3-2 in favor of Ranchi Royals.
