HIL 2024-25: UP Rudras defeat Soorma Hockey Club 3-0; lead with six points

By  News On Air   Jan 03, 2025

In the Hockey India League, UP Rudras defeated Soorma Hockey Club 3-0 in their second match at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela last night.

This is UP Rudras’ second successive win in as many matches as they lead the standings with six points.

Sudeep Chirmako opened the scoring early in the 2nd minute, firing a powerful half-turn shot. Despite Soorma’s growing possession and multiple penalty corners in the second quarter, the Rudras’ defence, led by Lars Balk and goalkeeper James Mazarelo, held firm.

In the third quarter, Jobanpreet Singh doubled the lead in the 38th minute, capitalizing on a pass from Chirmako. Soorma pressed for a goal but struggled to break through the Rudras’ solid defence.

In the final quarter, Akashdeep Singh sealed the win with a reverse tomahawk in the 58th minute after a swift counterattack initiated by Hardik Singh. Soorma’s captain, Harmanpreet Singh, came close to scoring a consolation goal but missed his penalty corner attempt.

Today, Tamil Nadu Dragons will take on Vedanta Kalinga Lancers at the same venue. The match will begin at 8:15 PM IST.