SG Pipers clinched the Women’s Hero Hockey India League 2025–26 title after edging past Shrachi Bengal Tigers 3-2 in a tense shootout, following a hard-fought 1-1 draw at the end of regulation time.

Pipers Hold Nerve to Win the Final

Both teams scored once during the four quarters. Lalremsiami (16') gave Shrachi Bengal Tigers the lead in the second quarter, while Preeti Dubey (53') struck late to pull SG Pipers level and force the match into a shootout.

In the decisive shootout, SG Pipers captain Navneet Kaur, Juana Castellaro, and Lola Riera converted their chances. Goalkeeper Bansari Solanki emerged as the hero, producing several vital saves, including a penalty stroke, to seal the title for her team.

Prize Money and Individual Awards

Hockey India League announced INR 1.5 crore in prize money for champions SG Pipers. Runners-up Shrachi Bengal Tigers received INR 1 crore, while Ranchi Royals earned INR 50 lakh for finishing third.

Ranchi Royals also won the Fairplay Award. SG Pipers’ Bansari Solanki was named Best Goalkeeper of the tournament, while Sunelita Toppo claimed the Upcoming Player award. Both players received INR 5 lakh each. Shrachi Bengal Tigers’ Agustina Gorzelany finished as the Top Scorer and earned INR 5 lakh. SG Pipers captain Navneet Kaur won the Hero Player of the tournament award and received INR 20 lakh.

Cagey Opening Quarter

The final began at a high tempo, with both sides battling for control in midfield. SG Pipers created early chances, including a close-range opportunity for Jyoti Singh after a sharp pass from Priscilla Jardel. Juana Castellaro also tested goalkeeper Jennifer Rizzo with a back-handed shot, but the Tigers’ defence held firm. Neither side could break through in the first quarter.

Tigers Strike First

Shrachi Bengal Tigers took the lead early in the second quarter. Sushila Chanu threaded a precise pass into the circle, allowing Lalremsiami (16') to control the ball and fire home a powerful shot. The Tigers earned multiple penalty corners but failed to extend their advantage. SG Pipers also won a penalty corner before halftime, but the Tigers’ defence stood strong.

Missed Chances and Strong Goalkeeping

The third quarter saw Shrachi Bengal Tigers push hard in attack. Agustina Gorzelany came close from a penalty corner, only to hit the post. Moments later, SG Pipers goalkeeper Cristina Cosentino made two outstanding saves to deny Vandana Katariya and Victoria Manuele. Despite pressure at both ends, the score remained unchanged.

Late Equaliser Forces Shootout

SG Pipers increased the pressure in the final quarter. Their persistence paid off in the 53rd minute when Preeti Dubey’s back-handed shot deflected off goalkeeper Jennifer Rizzo’s stick and crossed the line for the equaliser. Shrachi Bengal Tigers nearly found a late winner, but Lola Riera produced a crucial block to keep the scores level.

Solanki Seals the Title

In the shootout, SG Pipers stayed composed. Navneet Kaur and Juana Castellaro scored, while Lola Riera calmly converted a penalty stroke after Kaitlin Nobbs was tripped. At the other end, Bansari Solanki delivered a match-winning performance, making three key saves to guide SG Pipers to a dramatic title triumph.