SG Pipers Clinch Women's Hockey India League Title After Nail-Biting Shootout

In a thrilling conclusion to the Women's Hockey India League 2025-26, SG Pipers defeated Shrachi Bengal Tigers 3-2 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Key players like Navneet Kaur and Bansari Solanki shone in the final, leading their team to victory. The match featured intense moments, including crucial saves and near misses, culminating in a dramatic shootout. With significant prize money awarded, the tournament recognized outstanding players and teams. Read on for a detailed recap of this exciting final!

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 11, 2026, 01:52 IST

SG Pipers Triumph in Women's Hockey India League Final

In a gripping final held in Ranchi, Jharkhand, SG Pipers emerged victorious against Shrachi Bengal Tigers, winning 3-2 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. The match saw Preeti Dubey scoring for SG Pipers in the 53rd minute, while Lalremsiami netted the opening goal for Shrachi Bengal Tigers in the 16th minute.

SG Pipers' captain Navneet Kaur, along with Juana Castellaro and Lola Riera, successfully converted their shootout attempts, while Bansari Solanki made pivotal saves to secure the championship title.

The Hockey India League awarded SG Pipers a prize of Rs 1.5 Crore, while Shrachi Bengal Tigers received Rs 1 Crore as runners-up, and Ranchi Royals took home Rs 50 Lakh for finishing third.

Ranchi Royals were recognized with the Fairplay Award. Bansari Solanki was honored as the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament, and her teammate Sunelita Toppo was named the Upcoming Player, each receiving Rs 5 lakh. Agustina Gorzelany from Shrachi Bengal Tigers was the tournament's Top Scorer, also awarded Rs 5 lakh, while Navneet Kaur was celebrated as the Player of the Tournament, receiving Rs 20 lakh.

The match began with both teams vying for control in the midfield. SG Pipers nearly scored early on, but Jyoti Singh missed a crucial opportunity. In the 13th minute, Juana Castellaro's shot was saved by Shrachi Bengal Tigers' goalkeeper Jennifer Rizzo. The first penalty corner of the match went to SG Pipers, but Riera's attempt was blocked.

The second quarter saw Shrachi Bengal Tigers take the lead with a goal from Lalremsiami, following a precise pass from Sushila Chanu. Despite winning multiple penalty corners, the Tigers couldn't extend their lead, and the teams went into halftime with a 1-0 score.

In the third quarter, Shrachi Bengal Tigers maintained pressure, but SG Pipers' goalkeeper Cristina Cosentino made impressive saves to keep her team in the game. SG Pipers finally equalized in the 53rd minute when Preeti Dubey's shot deflected off Rizzo's stick into the net, pushing the match into a shootout.

During the shootout, SG Pipers secured their victory with successful conversions from Kaur, Castellaro, and Riera, while Solanki's outstanding saves sealed the win for her team in the Women's Hockey India League 2025-26.