The Kalinga Lancers have reclaimed the Men's Hockey India League (HIL) crown, defeating the Ranchi Royals 3-2 in a thrilling final held on Monday at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar. This victory marks the Lancers' second HIL title.
The final match was a captivating contest in front of a passionate home crowd. Alexander Hendrickx, the Belgian drag-flick specialist, played a pivotal role in the Lancers' triumph, scoring twice. Dilpreet Singh contributed the other goal for the Lancers. The Ranchi Royals fought hard, with Araijeet Singh Hundal and captain Tom Boon finding the net, but their efforts fell short against a determined Kalinga Lancers side.
The Lancers started the match strongly, earning back-to-back penalty corners in the fourth minute, with Hendrickx converting the chance. However, the Royals responded quickly, as Yashdeep Siwach switched play to find Araijeet Singh Hundal, who scored to equalize in the ninth minute. The second quarter saw the Lancers regain control with two goals. In the 25th minute, Dilpreet Singh reacted quickly to a rebound from Hendrickx's initial flick, putting the Lancers ahead. Two minutes later, Hendrickx scored again with a powerful drag-flick, extending their lead.
After the halftime break, the Ranchi Royals controlled possession and pressed for a comeback. They earned a penalty corner in the 36th minute, but Tom Boon's attempt was blocked. The Lancers' defense, supported by crucial saves from goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak, held firm against the Royals' attacks. In the 59th minute, Boon scored from a penalty corner, but it was not enough to level the score.
The Hockey India League announced a prize money of INR 3 Crore for the Kalinga Lancers, INR 2 Crore for the runners-up Ranchi Royals, and INR 1 Crore for the third-place team Hyderabad Toofans, who defeated HIL GC earlier in the day. HIL GC were also awarded the Fairplay Award. Several individual awards were also presented: Tamil Nadu Dragons goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh won the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament, while Talem Priyobarta of HIL GC was named the Upcoming Player of the Tournament. Both players received INR 10 Lakh each. Ranchi Royals' captain Tom Boon, who scored 19 goals in the tournament, was the Top Scorer and received INR 10 Lakh, while Hyderabad Toofans' Amandeep Lakra was named Hero Player of the Tournament and received INR 20 Lakh.
The Kalinga Lancers' victory was especially sweet, as they finished sixth in the previous season. Their triumph was celebrated by a jubilant home crowd on Republic Day.
