Navneet Kaur (27′) and Teresa Viana (46′) scored the goals as a spirited SG Pipers defeated Ranchi Royals 2-0 in the opening match of the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26 Season at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium on Sunday.
Match Overview
The first quarter was extremely tight, showcasing end-to-end action from both teams. Defences were strong, with no penalty corners awarded in the opening minutes. Ranchi Royals’ Hannah Cotter posed a significant threat on the left flank, while SG Pipers’ Navneet Kaur and Deepika created most of the circle entries during the first half.
Rutuja Dadaso Pisal earned the first penalty corner of the match for Ranchi Royals. However, they missed the opportunity as Maria Ortiz’s dragflick was saved by the goalkeeper.
On the flip side, in the 25th minute, SG Pipers secured consecutive penalty corners. Despite Lola Riera’s attempts on goal being blocked by the Royals, the Pipers’ persistence paid off. Just two minutes later, another penalty corner resulted in a powerful shot from Captain Navneet Kaur (27′), marking the first goal of the Women’s Hero HIL 2025-26 season.
Third Quarter Action
In the third quarter, Ranchi Royals were awarded three more penalty corners but failed to convert any into goals. Early in the second half, SG Pipers exhibited excellent teamwork, with Navneet Kaur and Sunelita Toppo leading an impressive play down the left. Kaur aimed for the top corner, but Ranchi Royals’ Bichu Devi Kharibam made a crucial save.
Shortly after, the Royals came close as Lucina von der Heyde’s penalty corner shot was deflected away by Lola Riera, maintaining the Pipers’ lead. SG Pipers continued to threaten, with Preeti Dubey finding space inside the circle, but her low shot was also thwarted by the Royals’ goalkeeper.
Final Quarter Highlights
In the opening minute of the final quarter, SG Pipers extended their lead when Teresa Viana (46′) found space on the left, dribbled past the advancing Ranchi Royals’ goalkeeper, and calmly slotted the ball into the net. The Pipers successfully held on to their lead in the remaining minutes, securing a crucial victory to kick off their Hero HIL campaign on a dominant note.
All matches of the Hockey India League will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3, and DD Sports.