Soorma Hockey Club Triumphs Over Hyderabad Toofans in HIL Shootout

In an exhilarating match, Soorma Hockey Club defeated Hyderabad Toofans 3-1 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time during the Men's Hockey India League 2025-26. Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored for Soorma, while Amandeep Lakra equalized for Hyderabad. The match featured intense moments, including crucial saves and penalty corners, leading to a dramatic shootout where Soorma emerged victorious. Discover the key highlights and turning points of this thrilling encounter.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 9, 2026, 21:59 IST

Exciting Match Ends in Shootout

In a thrilling encounter on Friday, Soorma Hockey Club secured a dramatic 3-1 victory in a shootout against Hyderabad Toofans after the match concluded in a 1-1 draw during the Men's Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26.

Soorma's captain, Harmanpreet Singh, opened the scoring in the 20th minute, while Amandeep Lakra equalized for Hyderabad Toofans in the 46th minute, according to an official release from HIL.

Tense First Quarter

The opening quarter was marked by numerous circle entries and scoring opportunities, yet both teams' defenses held firm, thwarting all attempts. Soorma Hockey Club began strongly, earning a penalty corner in the third minute, but Harmanpreet Singh's shot was blocked by the first rusher. Shortly after, Soorma made two significant attempts on goal, but Hyderabad's goalkeeper, Bikramjit Singh, delivered remarkable back-to-back saves to keep the score level. In the eighth minute, Hyderabad Toofans earned three consecutive penalty corners, but Soorma's defense successfully protected their goal.

Soorma Takes the Lead

The second quarter saw the game open up, with Captain Harmanpreet Singh converting a penalty corner in the 20th minute. His low dragflick found the bottom left corner, giving Soorma Hockey Club a 1-0 lead. They maintained control for the remainder of the quarter, heading into halftime with a narrow advantage.

Hyderabad Seeks Equalizer

Hyderabad Toofans came close to leveling the score in the 34th minute when Amandeep Lakra's powerful flick from a penalty corner narrowly missed the target. Four minutes later, Soorma was awarded a penalty corner, but Jeremy Hayward's shot was again saved brilliantly by Bikramjit Singh, keeping the deficit intact.

Lakra Levels the Match

In the early moments of the final quarter, Hyderabad Toofans earned a crucial penalty corner. Amandeep Lakra stepped up and executed a powerful dragflick, scoring the equalizer in the 46th minute. Later, in the 54th minute, Devindar Walmiki made a clever pass into the circle, but Tim Brand's deflection went just wide. Hyderabad continued to apply pressure, with Arshdeep Singh attempting a back-handed shot, but Soorma's goalkeeper, Vincent Vanasch, made a crucial save to keep the match tied.

Deciding Shootout

The match proceeded to a shootout, where Soorma Hockey Club emerged victorious with a score of 3-1. Harmanpreet Singh and Nicolas Keenan successfully converted their attempts. In a decisive moment, Toofans' goalkeeper Bikramjit Singh conceded a penalty stroke after a stick check on Nicolas della Torre's attempt. Harmanpreet Singh stepped up once more, converting the stroke and securing the bonus point for Soorma Hockey Club.