On Monday night (26 January), Kalinga Lancers defeated Ranchi Royals by 3–2 in the Final to lift the Men’s Hockey India League 2025/26 (Men’s HIL 2025/26) trophy.
The points table leaders Kalinga Lancers, who previously defeated Ranchi Royals twice this season, once in the league stage and the other once in Qualifier 1, secured an early goal after the Belgian Alexander Hendrickx scored from a penalty corner in the fourth minute. Araijeet Singh Hundal equalised the scoreline for Ranchi Royals in the ninth minute from a field goal.
Dilpreet Singh helped to regain the lead for Lancers in the 25th minute by scoring from a penalty corner. Just two minutes later, Alexander scored his second goal from another penalty corner, as Lancers moved to a strong position with a 3–1 lead.
In the 59th minute, Belgian Tom Boon scored from a penalty corner, as Ranchi Royals made the scoreline. However, it was too late for them, as Kalinga Lancers secured their first HIL title by winning the 2025/26 Final.
With 19 goals, Ranchi Royals’ Tom Boon finished as the leading goal-scorer this season.
Men’s Hockey India League 2025/26 (Men's HIL 2025/26): Final - Kalinga Lancers vs Ranchi Royals
Final Scoreline: 3–2
Shots: 4–4
Circle Entries: 29–34
Penalty Corners: 7–7
Earlier, on the same day, Hyderabad Toofans defeated HIL Governing Council by 4–3 margin to secure the third spot of the season.
