Rourkela: The much-anticipated Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 season began with an electrifying match at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela. Delhi SG Pipers edged out Gonasika in a tightly contested penalty shootout after the teams were locked at 2-2 during regulation time.
Argentina’s Tomas Domene (5’, 39’) starred for Delhi SG Pipers with a brace, while Scotland’s Struan Walker (26’) and France’s Victor Charlet (35’) found the net for Gonasika.
The season’s first goal came early, with Domene converting a penalty corner in the fifth minute. Delhi SG Pipers’ captain Jake Whetton set up the opportunity with an impressive run into the Gonasika circle. Domene’s powerful drag-flick left goalkeeper Oliver Payne with no chance.
Gonasika responded with determination and equalized in the second quarter through Walker’s opportunistic strike after Araijeet Singh Hundal’s initial shot deflected off the post. The teams went into halftime tied 1-1.
Gonasika gained momentum early in the third quarter as Charlet’s stunning drag-flick from a penalty corner put them ahead. However, their lead was short-lived, as Domene leveled the score for Delhi SG Pipers just four minutes later, capitalizing on a numerical advantage following Walker’s suspension.
The fourth quarter saw relentless attacks from both teams, with Payne delivering a masterclass in goalkeeping to deny Domene a hat-trick. Despite numerous chances, neither team could secure a winner in regulation time, leading to a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Delhi SG Pipers held their nerve, converting four of their five attempts through Whetton, Domene, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha, and Raj Kumar Pal, securing a hard-fought victory.
The action continues on December 29 with Hyderabad Toofans facing Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers at 6:00 PM IST, followed by Soorma Hockey Club taking on Tamil Nadu Dragons at 8:15 PM IST.
Fans can catch the live action on Doordarshan network, including DD Sports, and Sony Sports Network on Sony Ten 1, 3, and 4 in multiple languages.
The Hero Hockey India League promises a season filled with high-octane matches, showcasing the best of hockey talent from around the world.
