THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, JANUARY 26, 2026
Roared on by
a passionate home crowd at the iconic Kalinga Hockey Stadium, Vedanta Kalinga
Lancers scripted a memorable triumph by defeating Ranchi Royals 3–2 in a
pulsating Final to lift the Men’s Hero Hockey India League title on Monday.
Powered by a brace from drag-flick ace Alexander Hendrickx and a vital strike
from Dilpreet Singh, the Lancers held their nerve in a contest that lived up to
its grand billing.
The Final
began at a blistering pace with both teams showing attacking intent from the
outset. The early breakthrough came in the fourth minute when Hendrickx made no
mistake from a penalty corner, hammering a fierce drag-flick past the Royals’
goalkeeper to give the hosts the lead. Ranchi Royals responded swiftly and in
style, as Araijeet Singh Hundal showcased fine control and finishing to level
the scores in the ninth minute with a clinical field goal.
Vedanta
Kalinga Lancers seized control in the second quarter through sustained pressure
and sharp set-piece execution. In the 25th minute, Dilpreet Singh displayed
excellent awareness to convert from close range after Hendrickx’s initial
effort was saved, restoring the Lancers’ advantage. Moments later, Hendrickx
struck again, unleashing a thunderous drag-flick into the top corner to send
the home side into half-time with a commanding 3–1 lead.
Ranchi
Royals mounted a spirited comeback after the break, dominating possession and
pushing the Lancers deep into their half. Captain Tom Boon led by example, but
the Royals were repeatedly denied by a resolute defence and an inspired Krishan
Bahadur Pathak in goal. The Lancers’ custodian produced a string of stunning
saves in the final quarter, frustrating wave after wave of Royals’ attacks.
The pressure
finally told in the 59th minute when Boon converted a penalty corner to narrow
the margin, setting up a tense finale. However, the Lancers held firm in the
dying moments to seal a famous victory and spark jubilant celebrations among
the Bhubaneswar faithful.
The night
also celebrated individual and team excellence across the league, with the
champions awarded INR 3 crore in prize money, runners-up Ranchi Royals
receiving INR 2 crore, and Hyderabad Toofans claiming INR 1 crore for finishing
third. As the curtain fell on another electrifying HIL season, Vedanta Kalinga
Lancers stood tall as deserving champions, combining flair, discipline and
composure when it mattered most.
