Rourkela: Rupinder Pal Singh delivered a stellar performance, scoring twice to guide the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers to a 2-1 victory over Team Gonasika in a thrilling Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 match at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Wednesday.
Rupinder’s goals, a penalty corner strike in the 31st minute and a penalty stroke conversion in the 48th, showcased his vintage form. Manpreet Singh scored the lone goal for Team Gonasika in a closely contested encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The match began with high intensity as the Bengal Tigers, boasting two lethal drag flickers in Rupinder Pal Singh and Jugraj Singh, pressed early. Despite earning multiple penalty corners, Jugraj’s attempts were thwarted by Gonasika goalkeeper Oliver Payne, who showcased remarkable composure.
Team Gonasika controlled the tempo in the midfield, with Vishnukanth Singh, Jack Waller, and Jake Draper orchestrating play. However, their efforts to capitalize on opportunities were met with resistance from a resilient Bengal Tigers defense.
The deadlock was finally broken in the third quarter when Rupinder Pal Singh scored a powerful penalty corner, igniting celebrations among the Tigers’ players. However, the joy was short-lived as Manpreet Singh equalized moments later with a composed finish, keeping the contest finely balanced.
The deciding moment came in the fourth quarter when Abhishek earned a penalty stroke for the Bengal Tigers. Rupinder stepped up and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, sealing a hard-fought win for his team.
The Tigers had another goal disallowed after an umpire’s referral revealed a foot foul in the buildup, but their solid defense ensured the 2-1 scoreline remained intact.
Player of the Match Abhishek reflected on the team’s effort, saying, “It was a tough match, but our team effort was good. We were better with our chances in the second half, and that was the difference between the two teams today.”
The victory marks the Bengal Tigers’ second consecutive win in the league, bolstering their position in the tournament standings.
Upcoming Matches and Broadcast Details
The HIL action continues with Soorma Hockey Club set to face UP Rudras on January 2 at 8:15 PM IST. Matches will be broadcast on Doordarshan’s DD Sports and Sony Sports Network channels, including Sony Ten 1, 3, and 4, in multiple languages.
