Vedanta Kalinga Lancers Clinch Men’s HIL Title with Thrilling 3-2 Final Victory Over Ranchi Royals

Bhubaneswar, Jan 2026 : Vedanta Kalinga Lancers produced a stirring performance in front of their home supporters to defeat Ranchi Royals 3-2 in a pulsating final and lift the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) title at the iconic Kalinga Hockey Stadium on Monday. In a contest packed with intensity, skill, and drama, the Lancers held their nerve in the closing moments to emerge champions in one of the most memorable finals of the season.

The goals for Vedanta Kalinga Lancers came from Alexander Hendrickx, who struck twice through penalty corners in the 4th and 27th minutes, and Dilpreet Singh, who found the net in the 25th minute. Ranchi Royals responded through a brilliant early field goal by Araijeet Singh Hundal (9’) and a late penalty-corner conversion by captain Tom Boon (59’), but their comeback fell just short.

The grand finale also marked a celebratory conclusion to the league season, with Hockey India League announcing a prize purse of INR 3 crore for the champions Vedanta Kalinga Lancers. The runners-up Ranchi Royals received INR 2 crore, while Hyderabad Toofans, who secured third place by defeating HIL GC earlier in the day, were awarded INR 1 crore.

Individual brilliance across the tournament was also recognised. HIL GC were honoured with the Fairplay Award, while Prince Deep Singh of Tamil Nadu Dragons claimed the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament, and Talem Priyobarta of HIL GC was named Upcoming Player of the Tournament, with both receiving INR 10 lakh each. Ranchi Royals captain Tom Boon, who finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 19 goals, was also awarded INR 10 lakh, while Amandeep Lakra of Hyderabad Toofans was crowned Player of the Tournament, earning INR 20 lakh.

The final began at a frenetic pace, with both teams eager to stamp their authority early. Vedanta Kalinga Lancers enjoyed the brighter start and were rewarded in the fourth minute when they earned consecutive penalty corners. Alexander Hendrickx stepped up and unleashed a powerful dragflick that thundered past the Ranchi goalkeeper, giving the hosts an early lead.

Ranchi Royals, however, showed resilience and composure, responding swiftly with a superbly worked field goal. In the ninth minute, Yashdeep Siwach switched play with a lofted pass from the left flank, finding Araijeet Singh Hundal, who controlled the ball brilliantly before firing home an emphatic finish to restore parity.

The second quarter proved decisive as Vedanta Kalinga Lancers seized control of the contest. Although Ranchi Royals displayed attacking intent, the Lancers’ pressure forced errors, resulting in a series of penalty corners that pinned the Royals deep in their own half. In the 25th minute, Hendrickx’s dragflick was initially saved by Suraj Karkera, but Dilpreet Singh reacted sharply to the rebound, calmly slotting the ball home to put the Lancers back in front.

Just two minutes later, the home side struck again. Awarded yet another penalty corner, Hendrickx made no mistake this time, firing a blistering dragflick into the top-right corner to give Vedanta Kalinga Lancers a 3-1 lead at half-time.

The third quarter saw Ranchi Royals dominate possession and dictate the tempo, searching relentlessly for a way back into the match. They earned a penalty corner in the 36th minute, but Tom Boon’s flick was expertly blocked by the Lancers’ first rusher. Despite sustained pressure and multiple circle entries, the Royals were repeatedly denied by a disciplined defence and a composed goalkeeper in Krishan Bahadur Pathak.

Pathak was called into action again in the 45th minute, producing a crucial save to deny Araijeet Singh Hundal from close range, preserving the Lancers’ two-goal cushion.

The final quarter was a test of endurance and character. Ranchi Royals threw everything forward, and Pathak rose to the occasion with a series of outstanding saves against Sam Lane, Tom Boon, and Nilam Sanjeep Xess, including a breathtaking stick save in the 54th minute.

The Royals finally broke through in the 59th minute, with Tom Boon converting a low-driven penalty-corner dragflick to reduce the deficit. However, time ran out on their comeback as Vedanta Kalinga Lancers held firm to secure a historic 3-2 victory and the Men’s HIL crown amid jubilant scenes in Bhubaneswar.

Team Maverick.