RANCHI, 10 January 2026: SG Pipers edged past Shrachi Bengal Tigers 3-2 in a dramatic shootout after an enthralling 1-1 draw in regulation time to lift the Women’s Hero Hockey India League 2025-26 championship under the Ranchi lights, where hockey fans witnessed a spectacle worthy of the grand finale.
The contest brimmed with intensity, resilience, and sheer skill — a fitting conclusion to a season that has revitalized women’s hockey in India. For SG Pipers, this maiden title will be remembered not just for the trophy, but for the grit and heart that carried them through a nerve-wracking final.
Early Dominance and Missed Chances
The match began at a furious tempo, both sides battling fiercely for control in midfield. SG Pipers made their intentions clear early, weaving intricate plays through Priscilla Jardel and Jyoti Singh, but failed to convert promising moves. The Tigers’ custodian Jennifer Rizzo pulled off a stunning save in the 13th minute to deny Juana Castellaro, keeping her side in the contest.
Moments later, Lola Riera earned the Pipers their first penalty corner, only for Lalremsiami — the Tigers’ young star — to rush out and block decisively, preserving the deadlock at the end of the first quarter.
Lalremsiami Breaks the Deadlock
Barely had the second quarter begun when Lalremsiami (16’) found her moment of brilliance. Latching onto a clever through ball from Sushila Chanu, she swiveled inside the D and rifled a searing strike past Cristina Cosentino, putting Shrachi Bengal Tigers 1-0 ahead. The Tigers rode that momentum, earning back-to-back penalty corners, but couldn’t stretch their advantage.
At the other end, SG Pipers came close through another penalty corner just before halftime, yet Riera’s drag flick was met by an impenetrable Tigers’ defence. The opening half closed with Bengal Tigers leading narrowly, but under constant pressure from the relentless Pipers.
Rampant Third Quarter and the Turning Tide
The third quarter saw the Tigers mount wave after wave of attack, with Agustina Gorzelany’s dragflick clanging off the post in the 35th minute. Their captain Vandana Katariya nearly made it two moments later, only for Cosentino to stand tall with sensational consecutive saves.
SG Pipers, though pushed back, never lost composure. Their backline, marshaled by Lola Riera and Navneet Kaur, absorbed the pressure, biding their time for a breakthrough.
Preeti Dubey’s Equaliser Ignites the Crowd
With the game inching toward its climax, Preeti Dubey (53’) turned the tide. Picking up a loose ball inside the arc, her instinctive back-handed strike took a deflection off Rizzo’s stick and nestled into the net — sending the Ranchi crowd into raptures.
From there, it was end-to-end hockey. Vandana Katariya almost stole it for the Tigers late on, but Riera, exemplifying defensive mastery, blocked her thunderous attempt and ensured the final headed to a shootout.
Shootout Drama and History for SG Pipers
In a tense shootout finale, Navneet Kaur and Juana Castellaro scored confidently, while Lola Riera converted a penalty stroke after Kaitlin Nobbs was tripped. But it was Bansari Solanki, the young Pipers goalkeeper, who etched her name into history — making three stunning saves, including one from the spot, to seal the championship 3-2 for her side.
Awards and Honours
The triumph earned SG Pipers prize money of INR 1.5 crore, while Shrachi Bengal Tigers received INR 1 crore as runners-up. Ranchi Royals, who finished third, took home INR 50 lakh and the Fair Play Award.
Individual accolades followed:
- Bansari Solanki (SG Pipers) — Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament (INR 5 lakh)
- Sunelita Toppo (SG Pipers) — Upcoming Player of the Tournament (INR 5 lakh)
- Agustina Gorzelany (Shrachi Bengal Tigers) — Top Scorer of the Tournament (INR 5 lakh)
- Navneet Kaur (SG Pipers Captain) — Hero Player of the Tournament (INR 20 lakh)
The Women’s Hero Hockey India League 2025-26 Final was a night of emotion, grit, and celebration — one that
