Chennai, Jan 9 (NationPress) In an exhilarating encounter at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, Soorma Hockey Club clinched a dramatic 3-1 victory in the shootout against Hyderabad Toofans after finishing level at 1-1 during regulation time in the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26. Captain Harmanpreet Singh (20') netted a goal for Soorma Hockey Club while Amandeep Lakra (46') found the net for Hyderabad Toofans.

The opening quarter was filled with numerous circle entries and opportunities, but both defenses held firm to thwart any scoring chances. JSW Soorma Hockey Club started the match with determination, earning their first penalty corner in the third minute, though Harmanpreet Singh’s shot was blocked by the first rusher.

Shortly thereafter, Soorma created two significant attempts on goal, applying pressure on Hyderabad Toofans, but goalkeeper Bikramjit Singh delivered remarkable saves to keep the scoreline intact. In the eighth minute, Hyderabad Toofans earned three penalty corners consecutively, but Soorma’s defense remained steadfast.

The second quarter saw the match come alive as captain Harmanpreet Singh (20') successfully converted a penalty corner with a low dragflick into the bottom left corner, giving JSW Soorma Hockey Club a 1-0 lead. Soorma maintained control of the pace of the game for the rest of the quarter, heading into the second half with a narrow advantage.

In the 34th minute, Hyderabad Toofans nearly equalized, but Amandeep Lakra’s powerful flick from a penalty corner narrowly missed the target. Just four minutes later, Soorma was awarded another penalty corner, but this time Jeremy Hayward’s attempt was brilliantly saved by Bikramjit Singh.

Hyderabad Toofans received a vital penalty corner early in the final quarter, and Amandeep Lakra (46') capitalized, delivering a strong dragflick to equalize the match. In the 54th minute, Hyderabad Toofans attempted to take the lead with a clever pass from Devindar Walmiki, but Tim Brand’s deflection went just wide of the net.

As the match approached its conclusion, Hyderabad Toofans continued to exert pressure, and Arshdeep Singh managed to keep possession in the circle before unleashing a back-handed shot; however, JSW Soorma Hockey Club goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch made a crucial save, forcing the match into a shootout.

In the shootout, JSW Soorma Hockey Club emerged victorious with a score of 3-1, as Harmanpreet Singh and Nicolas Keenan successfully converted their attempts. Ultimately, Toofans' goalkeeper Bikramjit Singh conceded a penalty stroke due to a stick-check during Nicolas della Torre’s attempt, allowing Harmanpreet Singh to seal the win and secure the bonus point for JSW Soorma Hockey Club.