Ranchi, Jan 10 (NationPress) In a thrilling finale, SG Pipers triumphed over Shrachi Bengal Tigers, winning 3-2 in the penalty shootout after a tense 1-1 draw in regular time, securing the prestigious Women’s Hockey India League 2025-26 title.

Goals came from Preeti Dubey (53') for SG Pipers and Lalremsiami (16') for Shrachi Bengal Tigers. Key players Navneet Kaur, Juana Castellaro, and Lola Riera scored during the shootout, with Bansari Solanki making vital saves to clinch the victory for SG Pipers.

The Hockey India League awarded SG Pipers a prize of Rs 1.5 Crore, while the runners-up, Shrachi Bengal Tigers, received Rs 1 Crore, and third-place team Ranchi Royals earned Rs 50 Lakh.

Ranchi Royals were recognized with the Fairplay Award. Bansari Solanki of SG Pipers was named the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament, and her teammate Sunelita Toppo received the Upcoming Player award, both taking home Rs 5 lakh each. Agustina Gorzelany of Shrachi Bengal Tigers finished as the Top Scorer and received Rs 5 lakh, while SG Pipers’ Navneet Kaur was crowned the Player of the Tournament with a Rs 20 lakh prize.

The first quarter was fast-paced as both teams vied for control, with SG Pipers nearly scoring early on. Priscilla Jardel set up Jyoti Singh with a precise pass, but the shot was missed.

In the 13th minute, SG Pipers had another opportunity when Juana Castellaro attempted a back-handed shot, but Jennifer Rizzo, the goalkeeper for Shrachi Bengal Tigers, made a key save. Shortly after, SG Pipers earned their first penalty corner, but Lola Riera's shot was blocked by Lalremsiami.

Shrachi Bengal Tigers broke the deadlock in the second quarter, with Lalremsiami scoring from an assist by Sushila Chanu (16'). They had two penalty corners later but failed to extend their lead. SG Pipers had their chance in the 28th minute but could not capitalize.

In the third quarter, Shrachi Bengal Tigers maintained their attacking momentum, winning a penalty corner in the 35th minute but hitting the post. SG Pipers' goalkeeper Cristina Cosentino made impressive saves against Vandana Katariya and Victoria Manuele.

As the match progressed, SG Pipers finally found the equalizer in the 53rd minute through Preeti Dubey, whose shot deflected off Jennifer Rizzo and into the net.

Shrachi Bengal Tigers came close to winning but were thwarted by a determined defense from SG Pipers, leading to a shootout.

In the shootout, SG Pipers won 3-2. Navneet Kaur and Juana Castellaro scored, and Lola Riera converted a penalty stroke after Kaitlin Nobbs was fouled. Bansari Solanki showcased remarkable skill, making three critical saves, including one from a penalty stroke, solidifying SG Pipers' victory in the Women’s Hero Hockey India League 2025-26.