Vedanta Kalinga Lancers secured a 4-2 victory over Ranchi Royals in the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium on Sunday. Alexander Hendrickx (7′, 28′) and Gursahibjit Singh (16′, 26′) found the back of the net for Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, while Tom Boon (1′) and Mandeep Singh (9′) were on the scoresheet for Ranchi Royals.
Ranchi Royals set the tone early, scoring the opening goal in the first minute. They won a penalty corner, and Tom Boon (1′) capitalized with a powerful dragflick that hit the net. The Royals maintained early possession, but Vedanta Kalinga Lancers quickly adapted. In the seventh minute, they earned a penalty corner, which was expertly converted by Belgian drag-flick specialist Alexander Hendrickx (7′) to level the score.
Just two minutes later, Ranchi Royals reclaimed the lead with a brilliant first-time pass from Vishnukant Singh into the circle for Mandeep Singh (9′), who scored from a tight angle. Vedanta had a chance to equalize again in the 13th minute with a variation from a penalty corner, but Rosan Kujur’s attempt went narrowly wide.
The second quarter saw Vedanta Kalinga Lancers strike with a significant field goal. Craig Marias displayed excellent skill, setting up Gursahibjit Singh (16′) for a diving finish. The Lancers extended their lead in the 26th minute as Dilpreet Singh held off defenders and assisted Gursahibjit Singh (26′) for his second goal. Two minutes later, Alexander Hendrickx (28′) converted another penalty corner to conclude the first half with Vedanta in a comfortable position.
During the third quarter, Ranchi Royals aimed to assert control and create scoring opportunities. However, Vedanta’s defense proved resilient, maintaining their two-goal lead. In the 42nd minute, Ranchi Royals won three consecutive penalty corners, but Vedanta effectively thwarted all attempts. The Lancers responded with a penalty corner of their own, but Cooper Burns’ effort was denied by a crucial save from Royals’ goalkeeper Suraj Karkera.
The final quarter was a tense battle as Ranchi Royals pressed for goals, but Vedanta Kalinga Lancers held firm, making few defensive errors to secure the victory and start their Men’s HIL campaign on a positive note.