Hero Men’s Hockey India League – JSW Soorma Hockey Club Outclass Shrachi Bengal Tigers in Nine-Goal Classic – Match 2
Chennai, January 4, 2026:
JSW Soorma Hockey Club delivered a high-octane attacking masterclass to defeat defending champions Shrachi Bengal Tigers 5–4 in one of the most entertaining matches of theHero Men’s Hockey India League so far at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium.
The contest began at a blistering pace, with both teams pressing aggressively from the first whistle. Soorma drew first blood in the sixth minute when captain Harmanpreet Singh produced a thunderous drag-flick from a penalty corner to beat the Tigers’ goalkeeper cleanly. The early goal set the tone for a fiercely competitive evening.
The Tigers, however, are champions for a reason. Belgian forward Christopher Ruhr equalised in the 12th minute with a fierce reverse hit, silencing the home crowd and re-establishing parity. The remainder of the first quarter saw frantic end-to-end hockey, with both sides carving out half-chances but unable to find the breakthrough.
Soorma regained the lead soon after halftime through Gurjant Singh, who deflected a low cross past the keeper following sustained pressure inside the circle. Once again, the Tigers responded with remarkable resolve. James Carr struck back minutes later, pouncing on a loose ball to make it 2–2.
The final quarter turned the match into a spectacle. Jeet Pal restored Soorma’s lead with a solo effort that cut through the Tigers’ defence, only for Tommy Willems to level matters from a penalty corner. The intensity in the stadium reached fever pitch as the scoreboard read 3–3 with ten minutes left.
JSW Soorma HC then capitalised on a swift counterattack, with Akashdeep Singh finding space in the circle and firing home to edge his side ahead once again. The Tigers were not done. Affan Yousuf struck back with a well-placed finish, ensuring that neither side would give an inch.
With the game delicately poised at 4–4, it was Prabhjot Singh who delivered the decisive moment. Reacting fastest to a rebound inside the circle, he slotted the ball into the net, sparking wild celebrations on the Soorma bench and among the Chennai crowd.
The final whistle confirmed a stunning 5–4 victory for JSW Soorma Hockey Club — a result that not only dethroned the defending champions but also announced Soorma as genuine title contenders this season.
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