After two weeks of high-octane hockey action featuring 12 matches that saw 37 goals in the Women’s Hockey India League 2025-26, the stage is set for SG Pipers and Shrachi Bengal Tigers to clash in the final, scheduled at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi on Saturday.
Prize Money Details
The winner of the Women’s Hockey India League 2025-26 will receive Rs 1.5 crore, while the runners-up will take home Rs 1 crore. Ranchi Royals, finishing in third place, will be awarded Rs 50 lakh. Additionally, the Player of the Tournament will earn Rs 20 lakh, with individual awards like the Best Goalkeeper, Upcoming Player, and Top Scorer of the Tournament each carrying a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh. The Fairplay Trophy will also be awarded to the team that best upholds the spirit of the game throughout the season.
Finalists Overview
Both finalists have displayed fairly similar playing styles and have held their own in what was a highly competitive season in the Women’s HIL. The SG Pipers topped the table with 11 points, shining in the league stage. Meanwhile, the Shrachi Bengal Tigers secured second place with two wins in regular time and two wins in shootouts, finishing with 10 points, edging out the Ranchi Royals, who ended up with 9 points.
The top two teams faced off twice in the league stage, with Shrachi Bengal Tigers winning both encounters via penalty shootouts. After a 3-3 draw in their first match, the Tigers clinched a 4-3 victory in the shootout. In the second game, they won 7-6 in the shootout after a goalless draw.
Statistical Insights
The SG Pipers hold a slight edge statistically, as they are the second-highest goal scorers in the tournament with 11 goals, only surpassed by Ranchi Royals, who scored 13 goals. SG Pipers’ captain, Navneet Kaur, leads her team with 4 goals so far. Lola Riera (3 goals) and Sunelita Toppo (2 goals) have also made their contributions. The Pipers possess the second-best defensive record in the league, conceding just 9 goals during the group stage.
Captain’s Reflection
Navneet Kaur, Captain of SG Pipers, stated, “It’s been an incredible campaign for us, and reaching the Final is a reflection of the hard work every player has put in. From finishing at the bottom of the table last season to topping the table this year, the comeback has been special. We’ve played some fearless hockey along the way, and the goal now is to finish on a high. The team is confident and hungry to bring the trophy home.”
Shrachi Bengal Tigers’ Status
On the other hand, the Shrachi Bengal Tigers have netted seven goals in the tournament thus far, with five of those coming from penalty corner specialist Agustina Gorzelany. Lalremsiami has also contributed with a couple of goals. The team seeks to tighten its defense after conceding 11 goals in the league stage. With Vandana Katariya leading the side, they have considerable experience to rely on as they prepare for the climax.
Skipper’s Comments
Lalremsiami expressed her thoughts, saying, “From the start, our coach’s message was clear – he wanted us to fight for the title. He won it in the Men’s league last season, and his aim was to achieve the same with us. So, that’s the mindset we’ve played with throughout the season. We’ve improved game by game, and now it’s about staying consistent. As a team, we’ve bonded tightly through team meetings, understanding each other’s game. Now, all our focus is on becoming champions.”
With two evenly-matched teams in form, hockey fans can look forward to a thrilling contest as a new champion will be crowned in Ranchi.