Bengal Tigers begin women’s HIL 2025-26 campaign with 1-0 win over Soorma Hockey
Shrachi Bengal Tigers registered a 1-0 victory over JSW Soorma Hockey Club in its first match of the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26 season at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium in Ranchi on Monday.
Agustina Gorzelany’s (11’) powerful dragflick gave the Tigers the lead in the first quarter. Despite Soorma’s dominant attacking display, it was unable to breach its opponent’s stellar defence for the rest of the game.
Both teams engaged in an intense midfield battle to begin proceedings, but gradually Soorma gained confidence and registered a string of forays into the Tigers’ shooting circle, albeit without attempting a shot. The Tigers attempted to advance down the wings and earned a Penalty Corner (PC) with five minutes left in the quarter, and Gorzelany stepped up to flick the ball into the bottom right corner. Looking to equalise, Soorma earned a PC at the end of the quarter, but Shihori Oikawa’s shot was deflected wide.
Soorma remained on the front foot in the second quarter as well, penetrating the Tigers’ defence and earning multiple PCs, but Lalremsiami’s brave rushing ensured the Tigers maintained their lead. Soon after, Soorma’s Maria Granatto made a marauding run through the middle after a turnover by the Tigers in midfield. But Valentina Raposo snuffed out the danger, forcing Granatto wide, as the Tigers held on to their slender advantage.
Baljeet Kaur earned a PC for Soorma to start the second half, but a variation by Salima Tete flew wide of the target. The side continued to push the Tigers back into their own half, but the latter, visibly alert, went on to make occasional attacks. As the quarter progressed, the Tigers showed more initiative and created opportunities but missed the finishing touch. Meanwhile, Soorma looked to rely on PC variations to breach the Tigers’ net, with no success. It was frantic to end the third quarter with both teams desperately looking for a goal, but the scoreline remained unchanged.
After a short period of midfield turnovers, Soorma grew into the game again and gained territory, but the Tigers’ defence matched their opponent’s aggression to stay ahead in the game.
Published on Dec 29, 2025