Vedanta Kalinga Lancers produced a strong and disciplined performance to defeat Ranchi Royals 3-2 in a thrilling Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025-26 final on Monday. The title match was played in front of passionate home fans at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium.
Alexander Hendrickx led the scoring for the Lancers with goals in the 4th and 27th minutes. Dilpreet Singh added another goal in the 25th minute. For Ranchi Royals, Araijeet Singh Hundal scored in the 9th minute, while captain Tom Boon struck late in the 59th minute.
Big prize money announced by Hockey India League
The Hockey India League announced substantial prize money for the top teams and individual performers. Champions Vedanta Kalinga Lancers received INR 3 crore. Runners-up Ranchi Royals were awarded INR 2 crore. Hyderabad Toofans, who finished third after beating HIL GC earlier in the day, earned INR 1 crore.
HIL GC received the Fairplay Award. Tamil Nadu Dragons goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh won the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament, while Talem Priyobarta of HIL GC was named the Upcoming Player of the Tournament. Both players were awarded INR 10 lakh each.
Ranchi Royals captain Tom Boon finished as the Top Scorer of the Tournament with 19 goals and received INR 10 lakh. Hyderabad Toofans’ Amandeep Lakra was named the Hero Player of the Tournament and was awarded INR 20 lakh.
Fast start as Lancers strike first
Both teams began the final with high intensity. They created several circle entries in the opening minutes, eager to score early.
Vedanta Kalinga Lancers earned two quick penalty corners in the fourth minute. Alexander Hendrickx (4') made no mistake as he fired a powerful dragflick past the Ranchi Royals goalkeeper to give his team the lead.
However, the advantage did not last long. Ranchi Royals responded with a fine field goal in the ninth minute. Yashdeep Siwach sent a high ball from the left wing to switch play. Araijeet Singh Hundal (9') controlled it brilliantly and smashed it into the net to level the score.
Lancers dominate second quarter with penalty corners
The second quarter belonged to Vedanta Kalinga Lancers. Although Ranchi Royals showed attacking intent, the Lancers forced a series of penalty corners and pushed the Royals deep into their own half.
In the 25th minute, Hendrickx’s dragflick from a penalty corner was saved by goalkeeper Suraj Karkera. However, Dilpreet Singh (25') reacted quickly, collected the rebound, and slotted the ball into the goal to restore the lead.
Just two minutes later, the Lancers earned another penalty corner. This time, Alexander Hendrickx (27') unleashed a fierce dragflick into the top right corner, giving his side a two-goal cushion at half-time.
Royals control possession but fail to score
Ranchi Royals came out strongly in the third quarter and enjoyed more possession. They tried to control the tempo and looked for ways through the Lancers’ defence.
In the 36th minute, the Royals won a penalty corner. However, captain Tom Boon’s flick was blocked by the first rusher. The Royals continued to press from multiple angles but struggled to break down the deep and organised Lancers defence.
In the 45th minute, Araijeet Singh Hundal got a clear chance in front of goal. But Lancers goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak made a sharp save to keep his team ahead.
Late drama but Lancers hold firm
The final quarter saw Ranchi Royals throw everything forward in search of goals. Krishan Bahadur Pathak stood tall in goal and produced three outstanding saves against Sam Lane, Tom Boon, and Nilam Sanjeep Xess.
One save in the 54th minute stood out as Pathak used his stick brilliantly to deny a certain goal. In the 59th minute, the Royals finally scored through a low and accurate dragflick from a penalty corner by Tom Boon (59').
Despite the late goal, Ranchi Royals ran out of time. Vedanta Kalinga Lancers defended calmly in the final moments and sealed a memorable 3-2 victory to lift the Men’s Hero HIL title.