Men's HIL: Soorma Hockey Club Register First Win; Beat HIL GC 3-1 In League Stage

Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda: Soorma Hockey Club registered their first win in the Men's Hockey India League (HIL) 2026 as they beat HIL Governing Council (GC) 3-1 in a comfortable fashion at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro

Men's HIL: Soorma Hockey Club register first win; beat HIL GC 3-1 in league stage (Image Source: IANS)

Soorma Hockey Club registered their first win in the Men's Hockey India League (HIL) 2026 as they beat HIL Governing Council (GC) 3-1 in a comfortable fashion at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi on Thursday.

A double by captain Harmanpreet Singh (15', 38') and a goal by Gurjant Singh (27') saw their team through. Meanwhile, Kane Russell scored the lone goal for HIL GC, equalling Tom Boon's total of 10 goals as the top scorer in the league so far. Despite the loss, HIL GC continues to remain in the top two of the points table.

Soorma's dominance began as early as the first quarter when they managed a PC with just 33 seconds left for the first hooter. With the world's most fierce drag-flicker, Harmanpreet Singh, in their ranks, it was no surprise that the PC was converted with ease.

HIL GC tried bouncing back in the next quarter with some quick-fire attempts by team captain Hardik Singh, but they couldn't come close to a goal, even. Meanwhile, in the 27th minute, Gurjant Singh was incredibly impressive when he drove into the circle from the left, dribbling with pace and precision to take a shot on goal.

It was his trademark shot, beating goalie James Mazarelo with ease. This 2-0 lead put HIL GC under pressure, and that was evident with their star goal-scorer Kane Russell engaging in a hard tackle that resulted in him getting a green card in the 30th minute of the game.

This meant HIL GC started the third quarter with just 10 players. It was not the kind of start to the quarter they would have liked; moreover, they ended up conceding a PC in the 38th minute, which was very well executed by Harmanpreet to take his team's total to 3-0.

It was his trademark shot, beating goalie James Mazarelo with ease. This 2-0 lead put HIL GC under pressure, and that was evident with their star goal-scorer Kane Russell engaging in a hard tackle that resulted in him getting a green card in the 30th minute of the game.

Player of the Match, Gurjant Singh, expressed delight over the win and said, "Having lost previous games and one shoot-out win, we didn't have a second chance in today's game. It was a must-win game and a total team effort. We want to carry on this momentum. We will play the next game similarly. All matches from here on are a must-win for us."

Article Source: IANS