Defending champions Shrachi Bengal Tigers opened their Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025–26 campaign with a confident 3–1 victory against JSW Soorma Hockey Club. The match was played at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Egmore on Friday.

Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek and Gursewak Singh found the net for the Tigers. JSW Soorma’s only goal came from Prabhjot Singh.

Cautious Opening as Both Teams Settle

The first quarter was evenly contested, with both sides taking time to find their rhythm. JSW Soorma tried to stretch the Tigers’ defence by switching play and using long passes. In response, the Tigers focused on quick counter-attacks and aerial balls into the circle.

Players such as Nicolas Poncelet and Tommy Willems created some promising moments, but neither team managed to carve out a clear scoring chance in the opening 15 minutes.

Tigers Control Play but Goalkeepers Shine

Shrachi Bengal Tigers looked sharper in the second quarter and started to dominate possession. Abhishek was particularly active in attack and won several penalty corners for his side.

However, Soorma goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch produced a series of excellent saves to keep his team level. His standout moment came late in the half when he made a crucial double save. Thanks to his efforts, the teams went into halftime with the score still tied.

Sukhjeet and Abhishek Put Tigers in Command

The breakthrough came early in the third quarter. From a penalty corner, Tom Grambusch’s flick was cleverly deflected into the goal by Sukhjeet Singh in the 33rd minute, giving the Tigers a deserved lead.

The defending champions kept up the pressure and doubled their advantage later in the quarter. Abhishek showed great strength and composure as he held off a defender before smashing a reverse-stick shot past Vanasch from a tight angle.

Late Goals Settle the Contest

JSW Soorma responded positively in the final quarter and pulled one goal back in the 54th minute. Prabhjot Singh finished off a well-worked passing move to reduce the deficit.

As Soorma pushed hard for an equaliser, they took off their goalkeeper in the closing minutes. The move backfired as Abhishek won possession and selflessly passed the ball to Gursewak Singh, who scored into an empty net in the 60th minute to wrap up the win.

Player of the Match

Sukhjeet Singh was named Player of the Match for his all-round contribution and important opening goal. The result gave Shrachi Bengal Tigers a strong start as they began their title defence on a positive note.