Kalinga Lancers pip Ranchi Royals, seal HIL final spot

Kalinga Lancers Edge Out Ranchi Royals in Thriller

Vedanta Kalinga Lancers secured their place in the Men's Hockey India League 2025-26 final after a hard-fought 2-1 win against Ranchi Royals in Qualifier 1. The match took place at the vibrant Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Friday evening, drawing a passionate crowd that cheered the home team throughout. Alexander Hendrickx proved to be the hero of the night, netting both goals for the Lancers from penalty corners. His first strike came early in the first quarter, putting the Royals on the back foot right from the start. The Belgian drag-flicker added a second in the 32nd minute, doubling the lead and setting the tone for a defensive masterclass. Ranchi Royals responded valiantly with Mandeep Singh pulling one back just after halftime in the 40th minute, but the Lancers held firm in the final quarter despite both sides creating chances.

This victory marks a significant achievement for the Lancers, who topped the league stage with an impressive 16 points from their regular season matches. Their defensive record stands out, having conceded the fewest goals in the competition—only eight throughout the campaign. The team's disciplined approach and ability to convert penalty corners at a 29.7 percent rate have been key factors in their success. Hendrickx leads the scoring charts with 10 goals in just eight games, showcasing his importance to the squad. As the first team to qualify for the final, the Lancers now await the winner of Qualifier 2 between Ranchi Royals and Hyderabad Toofans, which is set for Saturday. The grand finale is scheduled for Monday, January 26, at the same venue, where the home advantage could play a crucial role once again.

Hendrickx's Double Strike Lights Up Bhubaneswar

The game kicked off with the Lancers earning three penalty corners in the opening quarter, a sign of their aggressive intent. Hendrickx made no mistake with the first opportunity, firing past the Ranchi keeper to open the scoring within the first 12 minutes. The pressure continued with two consecutive penalty corners, but the Royals managed to weather the storm temporarily. After the break, Hendrickx struck again from a penalty corner, his powerful drag flick leaving the defense helpless and extending the lead to 2-0. Ranchi's Mandeep Singh sparked hope for the visitors with a well-taken goal early in the second half, but the Lancers' backline, led by captain Arthur Van Doren, stood resolute. In the dying minutes, both teams pushed forward, but solid goalkeeping and last-ditch tackles ensured the scoreline held.

Captain Praises Team Discipline Ahead of Final

Post-match, Kalinga Lancers captain Arthur Van Doren highlighted the team's defensive unity and composure under pressure as the cornerstones of their win. He emphasized how managing key moments and maintaining structure in knockout hockey made the difference. Hendrickx echoed these sentiments, crediting the collective defensive effort that allowed them to stay calm even after conceding. The home crowd's energy was another boost, with players noting the electric atmosphere in Bhubaneswar. Having relocated here for the season, the Lancers have thrived on local support, turning the stadium into a fortress. Looking ahead, Van Doren stressed there's still room for improvement, urging the team to enjoy the milestone briefly before refocusing. Hyderabad Toofans kept their hopes alive earlier with a 2-0 win over HIL GC, thanks to Shilanand Lakra's brace, setting up an intriguing Qualifier 2 clash.

"We knew this would be a difficult game against a side with a lot of attacking quality and individual skill. Our focus was on staying compact, denying space in dangerous areas and making sure we were connected defensively throughout the match. We weren't perfect in every phase, but I think the discipline was there. Everyone put their body on the line, communicated well and stuck to the structure we've worked on all season." - Arthur Van Doren, Kalinga Lancers captain

The Lancers' journey to the final underscores their season-long dominance, blending offensive firepower with rock-solid defense. As they prepare for the title decider, all eyes will be on whether they can cap off a stellar campaign with the ultimate prize. Ranchi Royals, despite the loss, showed resilience and will look to bounce back against Hyderabad. This matchup promises more excitement in what has been a thrilling edition of the league.

In summary, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers' 2-1 triumph over Ranchi Royals, powered by Alexander Hendrickx's brace and stout defending, books their HIL final spot, with the championship clash set for Monday at Kalinga Hockey Stadium.