Ranchi Royals Triumph Over HIL GC in Thrilling Shootout at Hockey India League

In an exhilarating match at the Hockey India League, Ranchi Royals edged out HIL GC in a shootout after a dramatic 4-4 tie in regulation time. Key players like Araijeet Singh Hundal and Sam Lane shone for the Royals, while HIL GC's Lalit Kumar Upadhyay and Kane Russell also made significant contributions. The match featured intense moments, including multiple lead changes and crucial saves. Ultimately, Ranchi Royals secured a 4-1 victory in the shootout, showcasing their skill and determination. Read on for a detailed recap of this thrilling encounter.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 20, 2026, 16:05 IST

Exciting Match Ends in Shootout Victory

Bhubaneswar: In a gripping encounter at the Hockey India League (HIL) on Monday, Ranchi Royals secured a victory against HIL GC after a nail-biting shootout, with the match concluding at 4-4 in regular time.

The shootout saw Ranchi Royals dominate with a score of 4-1 at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium.

Key players for Ranchi Royals included Araijeet Singh Hundal, who netted two goals (19th, 32nd minutes), along with Sam Lane (42nd) and Tom Boon (57th). HIL GC's goals came from Lalit Kumar Upadhyay (25th, 53rd), Kane Russell (36th), and Sudeep Chirmako (39th).

During the shootout, Vishnukant Singh, Sam Lane, Maxime van Oost, and Tom Boon successfully converted their attempts for the Royals.

Ranchi Royals started the match aggressively, making early circle entries. Mandeep Singh had a chance on goal, but HIL GC's James Mazarelo made a crucial save.

HIL GC managed to hold possession for a while but struggled to create clear scoring opportunities due to the solid defense from Ranchi Royals.

The first penalty corner of the match was awarded to HIL GC in the 18th minute, but Kane Russell's attempt was thwarted by Ranchi's goalkeeper Suraj Karkera.

Shortly after, Ranchi Royals received a penalty corner, but Tom Boon was unable to convert.

As the game resumed, Mandeep Singh displayed excellent awareness, winning the ball in a dangerous area. His shot was saved, but Hundal (19th) capitalized on the rebound to score.

HIL GC equalized in the 25th minute with a penalty corner goal from Upadhyay (25th), who tapped in after Russell's initial shot was saved.

The first half ended with both teams unable to break the deadlock despite several attempts.

Two minutes into the third quarter, Ranchi Royals regained the lead when Mandeep Singh's shot was saved, but Hundal (32nd) was there to slot in the rebound.

HIL GC responded quickly, with Russell (36th) converting another penalty corner to tie the game.

Sudeep Chirmako then put HIL GC ahead with a field goal in the 39th minute.

However, Ranchi Royals equalized almost immediately, as Sam Lane (42nd) deflected Jack Waller's shot into the net.

The final quarter saw both teams pushing for the win. HIL GC earned a penalty corner in the 47th minute, but Russell's shot was saved by Karkera.

Ranchi Royals had a penalty corner opportunity in the 62nd minute, but Mazarelo denied their attempt.

With seven minutes remaining, a mistake by Ranchi allowed Upadhyay (53rd) to score and give HIL GC the lead again.

In a dramatic turn, Ranchi Royals equalized once more when Tom Boon (57th) scored from a late penalty corner, sending the match to a shootout.

In the shootout, Ranchi Royals executed perfectly, winning 4-1, with goalkeeper Suraj Karkera shining in goal.