The 2025-26 season of the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) exploded into action at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand, with SG Pipers delivering a stunning upset against home favorites Ranchi Royals. In a match filled with intense defensive battles, missed opportunities, and moments of individual brilliance, the Pipers secured a 2-0 win, signaling their intent to climb from last season’s bottom finish. This opening clash, broadcast live on Prasar Bharati Sports, showcased the blend of homegrown talent and international flair that defines the league.
A New Chapter in Women’s HIL
The Women’s HIL returns for its second edition with four competitive teams: Ranchi Royals, SG Pipers, Soorma Hockey Club, and Shrachi Bengal Tigers. Ranchi Royals stepped in to replace the inaugural champions, Odisha Warriors, who withdrew from the tournament. All matches this season are hosted exclusively in Ranchi, following a double round-robin format that promises 13 high-stakes encounters. With hockey’s profile on the rise—bolstered by upcoming events like the Asian Games, World Cup, and FIH Pro League—the league aims to inspire a new generation of fans and players.
Pre-match excitement was palpable, with Ranchi Royals boasting strong local support. Captain Nikki Pradhan highlighted the home advantage, saying, “I am playing with the Royal team and I am very happy that our home match is going on on the ground and the people here, the audience supports us a lot. So it feels great to be at home ground.” SG Pipers, eager to redeem themselves after a dismal previous campaign with just two wins, entered as underdogs but left as victors.
Match Breakdown: A Defensive Masterclass
Under cool conditions of 12.8°C with northwest winds, the game kicked off after SG Pipers won the toss and elected to start. Umpired by Rachel Williams from England and India’s Ruchika Wankhede, the match drew dignitaries including MLA Kalpana Murmu Soren, Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey, and Secretary General Bholanath Singh.
First Quarter: Royals Dominate but Fail to Score (0-0)
Ranchi Royals seized early control, dominating possession through midfield maestros Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary, and Argentinian star Augustina Albertario—a Tokyo 2022 silver medalist and Paris 2024 bronze winner. They earned a penalty corner but couldn’t convert, thanks to SG Pipers’ resolute defense led by Caitlin Nobbs and Udita. The quarter ended goalless, with Royals looking the sharper side.
Second Quarter: Pipers Strike First (1-0)
The deadlock broke early in the second quarter when SG Pipers capitalized on a penalty corner. Captain Navneet Kaur, with over 100 international caps and a 2018 Asian Games silver medalist, injected and slotted a low grounder past Royals’ goalkeeper Scorpion Goddess Karibam. Despite Royals’ pressure and another penalty corner, Pipers held firm. Half-time arrived with SG Pipers leading 1-0, a testament to their improved organization.
Third Quarter: Tense Stalemate (1-0)
SG Pipers switched goalkeepers, bringing in Christina Constanza for Bansuri Solanki. Royals ramped up the intensity, earning multiple penalty corners where Maria Otis and Albertario tested Constanza with powerful drag flicks. However, the Pipers’ defense stood tall, repelling attacks and maintaining their slender lead. No goals were scored, keeping the crowd on edge.
Fourth Quarter: Vienna Seals the Deal (2-0)
The final quarter saw Royals desperately pushing forward, but missed conversions haunted them—Lucina Van de Herder and Otis both saw efforts saved. SG Pipers countered effectively, and Teresa Vienna delivered the knockout blow with a solo run, beating defender Ishika Chaudhary after a deflection off her foot. The goal doubled their lead, and Royals couldn’t recover. Final whistle: SG Pipers 2-0 Ranchi Royals.
Standout Performances and Player of the Match
SG Pipers’ victory was built on solid teamwork, with Navneet Kaur’s opening goal and Teresa Vienna’s clincher proving decisive. Lola Riera earned Player of the Match honors for her exceptional penalty corner defense and overall composure. In her post-match interview, Riera shared her joy: “It’s amazing for me here to say… I never dream about it. So to be here for it’s amazing and I think we have a really good group. Good group. I think we are improving a lot. And I think we have a really good feeling for today. End of course for the most important for us is joining this tournament is amazing. So, the results would come well.”
For Ranchi Royals, home talents like Sangeeta Kumari, Beauty Dangdang, Neha Goyal, and Rutuja Pisal showed promise but lacked the finishing touch. SG Pipers’ roster, including internationals like Caitlin Nobbs, Udita, Shilpi, and Spanish player Lola Riera, demonstrated why they’re a force to reckon with this season.
Looking Ahead: A Competitive Season Beckons
This result flips the script from last year, where SG Pipers struggled while Odisha Warriors triumphed. With young stars like Jyoti Singh (Indian junior captain) and Krisicilla Jadil shining, the league is set for thrilling battles. Sponsors like Hero MotoCorp, DD Sports, Waves, Bisleri, and Apollo Hospitals continue to fuel the growth of women’s hockey in India.
Catch all the action on Prasar Bharati Sports, and stay tuned for more updates as the HIL 2025-26 unfolds. Will Ranchi Royals bounce back, or will SG Pipers build on this momentum? The stage is set for an unforgettable season!
