In the goal galore contest, Ranchi Royals claimed a shootout win against HIL Governing Council in the thrilling 24th match of the Men’s Hockey India League 2025/26 (Men’s HIL 2025/26).
After the goalless first quarter, Ranchi Royals secured a 1–0 lead in the 19th minute when Araijeet Singh Hundal scored a field goal. Lalit Upadhyay equalised the scoreline in the 25th minute after securing a penalty corner.
Araijeet Singh Hundal scored his second goal in the 32nd minute through a field goal, as Ranchi Royals went 2–1 ahead. From another penalty corner, New Zealander Kane Russell leveled the scoreline in the 36th minute. Three minutes later, Sudeep Chirmako put HIL GC 3–2 ahead through a field goal. In the next minute, New Zealander Sam Lane brought a reply for the Royals, as his field goal equalised the scoreline.
Lalit Upadhyay scored his second goal of the match in the 53rd minute, while it was also a field goal, and HIL GC took a 4–3 lead. In the 57th minute, Belgian Tom Boon scored from a penalty corner, as the match ended with a 4–4 scoreline after 60 minutes.
In the shootout, Ranchi Royals successfully scored all four attempts, while HIL GC managed to score only once in three attempts, as Royals secured a shootout victory to secure two points.
With this result, Ranchi Royals moved up to the second position, and HIL Governing Council dropped to third place. Although both have 11 points each, the Royals are ahead in the goal difference.
Men’s Hockey India League 2025/26 (Men's HIL 2025/26): HIL Governing Council vs Ranchi Royals
Final Scoreline: 4(1)–4(4)
Shots: 10–8
Circle Entries: 116–80
Penalty Corners: 12–5
Men’s Hockey India League 2025/26 (Men's HIL 2025/26): Latest Points Table After Match 24
Rank | Team | Played | Won | SOW | SOL | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
1 | Kalinga Lancers | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 6 | +9 | 16 |
2 | Ranchi Royals | 6 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 22 | 15 | +7 | 11 |
3 | HIL Governing Council | 6 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 19 | 15 | +4 | 11 |
4 | Shrachi Bengal Tigers | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 16 | 24 | -8 | 9 |
5 | Hyderabad Toofans | 6 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 14 | 9 | +5 | 8 |
6 | Tamil Nadu Dragons | 6 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 16 | 19 | -3 | 8 |
7 | Soorma Hockey Club | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 12 | -4 | 5 |
8 | SG Pipers | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 13 | 23 | -10 | 4 |
