JSW Soorma Hockey Club secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Tamil Nadu Dragons in the Men's Hero Hockey India League 2024-25, earning the bronze medal and INR 1 crore at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium.

First Quarter: A Cautious Start

Both teams began the match with caution, focusing on ball control and quick passes. In the 10th minute, Tamil Nadu had a chance to score with a penalty corner, but Jip Janssen’s shot went wide. However, just two minutes later, Soorma broke the deadlock. Gurjant Singh (12’) received a pass from Jeremy Hayward and fired the ball into the net. Soorma soon had another penalty corner, but Harmanpreet Singh’s attempt was deflected out.

Dragons Respond: Equalizer

In response, Tamil Nadu Dragons launched a swift counter-attack. Karthi Selvam dribbled past defenders and delivered a perfect pass to Blake Govers (15’). Govers slotted the ball past Soorma goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch to equalize just before the end of the first quarter.

Second Quarter: Soorma Takes the Lead Again

Soorma regained the lead early in the second quarter. Harjeet Singh (19’) was left unmarked in the circle and chipped a deflected pass from Gurjant Singh over Dragons’ goalkeeper David Harte, making it 2-1. Shortly after, Soorma earned another penalty corner, but Harte made a brilliant save against Hayward’s shot aimed at the bottom right corner.

Continued Pressure: Soorma Dominates Attack

Soorma continued their attacking pressure, creating several circle penetrations. They earned three consecutive penalty corners in the final minute of the first half, but Harte’s goalkeeping and the Dragons’ defense kept them from scoring. As a result, the score remained 2-1 in favor of Soorma at halftime.

Third Quarter: Dragons’ Offensive Push

The Dragons came out strong in the third quarter, applying constant pressure on Soorma’s defense. Soorma responded by earning three quick penalty corners, but they failed to convert any of them. Despite the aggressive play from both sides, neither team found the back of the net in the third quarter, which ended 0-0.

Final Quarter: Drama and Decisive Moments

The fourth quarter was filled with action, as both teams created numerous scoring chances. Soorma earned an eighth penalty corner with just over five minutes left, but Harmanpreet’s shot was saved by goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh. Despite this missed opportunity, Soorma extended their lead when Gurjant Singh made a brilliant run and set up Prabhjot Singh (57’) for an easy finish, making it 3-1.

Late Drama: Dragons’ Last Push

With just a minute remaining, the Dragons earned a penalty corner. Jip Janssen (59’) took the shot and scored, reducing the deficit to 3-2. However, that proved to be the last goal of the match. Soorma held on for a 3-2 victory, claiming the bronze medal.