Ranchi Royals produced a memorable performance to defeat Hyderabad Toofans 3-2 in Qualifier 2 of the Men's Hero Hockey India League 2025-26. The high-intensity match was played at the famous Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar. Tom Boon emerged as the star of the night, scoring all three goals for the Royals and sealing their place in the final.
With this win, Ranchi Royals booked a title clash against Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, scheduled for Monday. Hyderabad Toofans, despite a strong showing, saw their campaign end after goals from Jacob Anderson and Amandeep Lakra were not enough.
Toofans strike early through Anderson
Hyderabad Toofans began the match on the front foot and stunned the Royals with an early breakthrough. In the 5th minute, Jacob Anderson found the back of the net after a brilliant build-up.
The move was crafted by India’s emerging midfielder Rajinder Singh, who showed great control and skill. He beat nearly three defenders while charging down the right side before setting up Anderson near the goal, who produced a neat deflection to give Toofans a 1-0 lead.
Royals respond with Boon’s penalty corner double
Moments before the opening goal, Royals’ skipper Manpreet Singh had tested the defence with a powerful shot from outside the circle. Manmeet Singh came close to redirecting it but missed by a narrow margin.
The early advantage gave Toofans confidence, but they soon lost momentum. They conceded two penalty corners in quick succession, which proved costly. With Tom Boon as their specialist, Ranchi Royals made full use of the chances.
Boon converted both opportunities with calm precision in the 13th and 15th minutes. On both occasions, Manpreet Singh provided clean and experienced injections, allowing Boon to finish smartly. The Royals ended the first quarter with a 2-1 lead after an action-packed start.
Goalless second quarter keeps contest alive
The second quarter saw both sides push hard but without reward. Each team created scoring opportunities and tested the opposing defence. However, strong goalkeeping and timely interceptions ensured no goals were added before the half-time break.
The intensity reflected how much was at stake, with both teams fighting for a spot in the final.
Boon completes hat-trick, Lakra hits back
Ranchi Royals returned after the interval with clear attacking intent. Their pressure paid off in the 34th minute when they earned another penalty corner. Once again, Manpreet Singh’s injection was perfectly timed, and Tom Boon struck the ball fiercely past the goalkeeper to complete his hat-trick.
The goal extended the Royals’ lead to 3-1 and put them in a commanding position. However, Hyderabad Toofans refused to back down. Four minutes later, Amandeep Lakra, a Junior World Cup bronze medallist, pulled one back.
Lakra scored from a well-worked penalty corner, executing the move with confidence and style to reduce the deficit to one goal.
Royals hold firm in tense final quarter
The final quarter was filled with pressure and drama. Hyderabad Toofans pushed aggressively in search of an equaliser and earned a few penalty corners. Despite their efforts, they failed to convert their chances.
Ranchi Royals stayed composed in defence and managed the closing minutes well. Their disciplined approach helped them protect the narrow 3-2 lead until the final whistle.
In the end, Tom Boon’s clinical finishing proved decisive, as Ranchi Royals secured a thrilling victory and marched into the Hero Hockey India League 2026 final.