Shrachi Bengal Tigers Triumph Over Soorma Hockey Club in HIL Opener

In an exciting start to the Men's Hockey India League 2025-26, the Shrachi Bengal Tigers defeated Soorma Hockey Club 3-1. Key players like Sukhjeet Singh and Abhishek shone brightly, leading their team to victory. The match featured a balanced first quarter, but the Tigers took control in the second half, ultimately sealing their win with a late goal. Discover how the Tigers began their title defense on a high note and the standout moments from this thrilling encounter.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 5, 2026, 02:03 IST

Bengal Tigers Kick Off HIL 2025-26 with a Strong Win

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], January 4: The reigning champions, Shrachi Bengal Tigers, commenced their campaign in the Men's Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26 with a decisive 3-1 victory against Soorma Hockey Club at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Egmore on Friday.

Sukhjeet Singh (33'), Abhishek (45'), and Gursewak Singh (60') scored for the Tigers, while Prabhjot Singh (54') netted a solitary goal for Soorma, according to a press release from Hockey India.

The first quarter was tightly contested, with both teams attempting to find their rhythm. Soorma aimed to challenge the Tigers' defense with long passes, while the Tigers focused on quick counter-attacks and aerial plays into the circle. Despite some promising attempts from Nicolas Poncelet and Tommy Willems, neither team managed to create significant scoring opportunities in the opening 15 minutes.

As the second quarter progressed, the Tigers began to dominate possession. Abhishek was particularly active in the front line, earning several penalty corners. However, Soorma's goalkeeper, Vincent Vanasch, made crucial saves, including a vital double save towards the end of the half, keeping the score level at halftime.

The breakthrough for Shrachi Bengal Tigers came early in the third quarter when Sukhjeet Singh deftly redirected Tom Grambusch's penalty-corner flick into the net in the 33rd minute. The Tigers maintained their pressure and extended their lead when Abhishek, displaying remarkable composure, fired a powerful reverse-stick shot past Vanasch from a challenging angle.

Soorma responded in the final quarter, with Prabhjot Singh capitalizing on a well-executed passing sequence to score in the 54th minute, narrowing the gap. However, as Soorma pushed forward and removed their goalkeeper in the dying moments, the Tigers struck again. Abhishek intercepted the ball and selflessly assisted Gursewak Singh (60'), who scored into an empty net, securing the victory.

Sukhjeet Singh's outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Match title, marking a successful start to the Tigers' title defense.