Vedanta Kalinga Lancers secured a place in the final of the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025-26 after defeating Ranchi Royals 2-1 at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium on Friday. Star defender Alexander Hendrickx was the hero of the match, scoring both goals for the Lancers, while Mandeep Singh scored the lone goal for the Royals.

Royals Start Strong, Lancers Strike First

Ranchi Royals started the match with confidence. They controlled possession early and moved the ball smoothly, trying to break through the Lancers’ defence. Vedanta Kalinga Lancers absorbed the pressure calmly and stayed disciplined at the back.

As the first quarter progressed, the Lancers settled into the game. Their patience paid off in the 12th minute when Alexander Hendrickx successfully converted a penalty corner with a powerful drag-flick. The goal gave the Lancers a 1-0 lead by the end of the opening quarter.

Hendrickx Doubles the Advantage

The Lancers made a perfect start to the second half. Once again, Alexander Hendrickx stepped up during a penalty corner in the 32nd minute. The Belgian fired the ball cleanly into the net, extending his team’s lead to 2-0 and putting them in a strong position.

Royals Fight Back Before Final Quarter

Ranchi Royals refused to give up. They looked for opportunities to get back into the match and were rewarded in the 40th minute. A well-worked penalty corner variation allowed Mandeep Singh to finish clinically, reducing the gap to 2-1 by the end of the third quarter.

Tense Final Minutes as Lancers Hold On

The final quarter turned into an intense battle, with both teams attacking at pace. With eight minutes remaining, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers came close to sealing the match when Rosan Kujur’s deflected shot struck the crossbar.

Ranchi Royals pushed hard for an equaliser, creating seven circle entries and earning a penalty corner. Despite their constant pressure, they could not find the decisive goal.

Lancers Show Composure to Seal Final Spot

In the closing moments, the Lancers remained composed and defended smartly to protect their narrow lead. Their resilience paid off as they closed out the match with a 2-1 victory, officially booking their place in the HIL final.

What’s Next

Ranchi Royals will now face Hyderabad Toofans in Qualifier 2 at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium on Sunday, January 25, as they look to keep their title hopes alive.