Ranchi, January 16, 2026: Ranchi Royals extended their impressive run in the Men’s Hero Hockey India League (HIL) with a commanding 4–1 victory over JSW Soorma Hockey Club, sealing their third consecutive win in front of home fans at the Marang Gomke Jagpal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium on Friday.
A clinical brace from Tom Boon (20’, 22’), coupled with goals from Manmeet Singh Rai (14’) and Mandeep Singh (47’), propelled the Royals to third place on the HIL points table, while Jeetpal (52’) netted a late consolation for Soorma.
The contest began at a frenetic pace, with both sides keen to assert early dominance. JSW Soorma earned the first penalty corner inside five minutes and piled on pressure with three set-piece opportunities in the opening quarter. However, Ranchi goalkeeper Suraj Karkera stood tall, denying Soorma a breakthrough despite their early circle entries.
Against the run of play, the hosts struck first. A sharp ricochet off Sam Lane’s stick fell kindly for Manmeet Singh Rai, who calmly guided the ball home in the 14th minute to give Ranchi Royals the lead.
Buoyed by the opener, the Royals found rhythm and confidence. Their pressure paid dividends when Tom Boon pounced on a loose ball inside the circle to make it 2–0 in the 20th minute. The Belgian striker then struck again just two minutes later, converting a penalty corner with a precise drag-flick to give Ranchi a commanding 3–0 lead at half-time.
JSW Soorma enjoyed greater possession after the break and came agonisingly close to scoring, only for Joshua Beltz to clear the danger off the line. Ranchi, meanwhile, managed the game smartly, slowing the tempo while still creating chances, including a testing effort from Sam Lane.
The result was effectively sealed early in the final quarter when Araijeet Singh Hundal set up Mandeep Singh, who rounded the goalkeeper and finished clinically in the 47th minute. Soorma continued to press and were rewarded late on when Jeetpal scored in the 52nd minute, but it proved to be little more than a consolation.
With this victory, Ranchi Royals wrapped up their home leg on a high, showcasing consistency, defensive discipline, and attacking efficiency as they gather momentum in the Hero Hockey India League and move up into third place in the standings.
