The Bengal Tigers, the defending champions of the Hockey India League (HIL), kicked off their men's campaign on a winning note this Sunday. They secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Soorma HC at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Chennai, setting a positive tone for their title defence.
Match Report: Tigers Find Their Roar
The opening match saw both sides start cautiously, with the Tigers unable to capitalise on their first three penalty corners. The deadlock was broken three minutes after the half-time break. A cleverly executed penalty-corner variation saw Sukhjeet Singh deflect Tom Grambusch's shot into the net in the 33rd minute to give the Tigers the lead.
The Tigers doubled their advantage in the 45th minute through Abhishek. Soorma HC managed to pull one back in the 54th minute via Prabhjot Singh, offering a glimmer of hope. However, the defending champions sealed the match in the final minute, with Gursewak Singh scoring in the 60th minute to ensure a 3-1 triumph.
Other League Action: Lancers Stage a Comeback
In another exciting encounter, the Kalinga Lancers displayed remarkable resilience to defeat Ranchi Royals 4-2. The Lancers came from behind twice to claim the points. Alexander Hendrickx (7th and 28th minute) and Gursahibjit Singh (16th and 26th minute) each scored twice for the winning side. For the Royals, Tom Boon (1st minute) and Mandeep Singh (9th minute) were the goalscorers.
Fan Engagement: A Challenge for Organisers
Despite the on-field action, the opening days of the revived HIL have witnessed modest crowd turnout. This was evident even during Saturday's tournament opener featuring the 'home side' Tamil Nadu Dragons. In an effort to boost attendance, organisers offered free tickets, but the league is still working to attract larger numbers.
Sekar Manoharan, Hockey India treasurer and president of the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu (HUTN), acknowledged the issue. He expressed optimism, stating that the league organisers are expecting more spectators in the coming days as the tournament gains momentum.
