Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons began their Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025-26 campaign with a thrilling victory over Hyderabad Toofans at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Egmore. The high-scoring contest ended 3-3 in regulation time before the Dragons held their nerve to win the penalty shootout 4-2.

Goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh played a decisive role in the shootout by pulling off two crucial saves. Raheel Mohammed then converted the winning penalty to seal a bonus point for the Dragons in their opening match.

Fast Start From Both Sides

Both teams started the tournament opener at a fast pace and attacked from the first minute. Dragons goalkeeper David Harte was tested early and made a sharp save in the fourth minute.

Soon after, the Dragons broke quickly on the counter and earned the first penalty corner of the match. Uttam Singh (4’) made full use of the chance, scoring from close range to register the first goal of the tournament and give his side an early lead.

Dragons Extend Lead, Toofans Hit Back

The Dragons tightened their grip on the match when Thomas Sorsby (9’) dribbled into the circle and calmly finished past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.

However, Hyderabad Toofans responded almost immediately. From their first penalty corner, Amandeep Lakra (12’) unleashed a powerful strike to pull one goal back. The first quarter ended with the Dragons leading 2-1.

Lakra Levels Scores Before Half-Time

Hyderabad Toofans began the second quarter with renewed energy and pushed the Dragons deep into defence. Their pressure paid off from another penalty corner.

Once again, Amandeep Lakra (18’) struck with pace and power to score his second goal and bring his team level at 2-2. The match opened up after that, with both sides creating chances. Still, neither team could score again, and the first half ended evenly balanced.

Goals Flow After the Break

The Dragons regained the lead early in the third quarter. Karthi Selvam (32’) tapped in from close range to finish a well-worked team move that started with Uttam Singh.

Hyderabad Toofans responded quickly. Arthur De Sloover (37’) scored from a tight angle to restore parity and make it 3-3. The Dragons applied steady pressure towards the end of the quarter, but last season’s runners-up Toofans defended strongly to keep the scores level.

Goalkeepers Shine in Final Quarter

With everything to play for in the final quarter, Hyderabad Toofans started on the front foot. David Harte stood firm for the Dragons and made two important saves from penalty corners to keep his team in the contest.

Both sides pushed hard in the closing stages in search of a winning goal. However, neither team could break the deadlock, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.

Dragons Hold Nerve in Shootout

The shootout proved tense and dramatic. Prince Deep Singh produced two vital saves, giving the Dragons the edge. Raheel Mohammed then calmly scored the decisive penalty.

Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons won the shootout 4-2, secured a bonus point, and made a confident start to their HIL season.