Vedanta Kalinga Lancers secured a 4-2 victory against Ranchi Royals in the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium. The goals for Vedanta Kalinga Lancers were scored by Alexander Hendrickx (7′, 28′) and Gursahibjit Singh (16′, 26′), while Tom Boon (1′) and Mandeep Singh (9′) netted for Ranchi Royals.
Ranchi Royals took an early lead with Tom Boon (1′) scoring in the first minute of the match from a penalty corner. However, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers equalized in the seventh minute through Alexander Hendrickx’s (7′) precise flick. The game saw a quick turnaround as Mandeep Singh (9′) put Ranchi Royals back in the lead two minutes later.
In the second quarter, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers displayed a strong performance, with Gursahibjit Singh (16′) and (26′) scoring crucial goals. Alexander Hendrickx (28′) further extended their lead with a converted penalty corner. The Lancers maintained a solid defense in the third quarter, frustrating Ranchi Royals’ attempts to score despite multiple penalty corner opportunities.
The final quarter witnessed a tight battle, with Ranchi Royals pressing for goals but failing to breach Vedanta Kalinga Lancers’ defense. The Lancers’ resilient defending ensured a positive start to their Men’s HIL campaign with a well-deserved victory.
