HIL 2025-26: Tamil Nadu Dragons ends season with shootout win over Ranchi Royals

Tamil Nadu Dragons rallied to defeat Ranchi Royals via a penalty shootout in their last round-robin fixture of the Hockey India League at the Kalinga Stadium on Wednesday.

Following a 3-3 score in the regulation period, Dragons prevailed over Royals 4-2 in the tie-breaker to end with 10 points, not enough to secure a playoffs qualification. Royals managed the second spot with 12 points.

Royals had an electrifying start as they stunned Dragons with a burst of attacks and went 2-0 ahead within nine minutes.

The fast-paced Royals scored one of the fastest goals. Following fascinating moments of short goal-mouth passing, Mandeep Singh slotted one from the left to put Royals ahead in the 28th second.

Tom Boon-led Royals’ forward line built more pressure on Dragons with frequent circle entries and three more penalty corners. After taking the third corner flick, the sprightly 35-year-old hit high off the second rebound into the goal.

Nathan Ephramus, Blake Govers, Uttam Singh and Tom Craig scored for the Dragons in the shooutout.
| Photo Credit:
Biswaranjan Rout

However, the script changed as Royals slowed down and Dragons had an upper hand in the second period. The yellow brigade held its nerve and controlled the game to initiate several forays. They reduced the margin in the 24th minute as Blake Govers sounded the board with a low flick.

Dragons’ persistence tested Royals’ defence, which conceded three short corners in a row in the 29th minute but managed to thwart those attempts.

Royals could not keep Dragons at bay for long as Karthi Selvam pushed in a Govers’ pass to level the scores shortly after the half-time.

Royals restored their lead soon after as Lachlan Sharp earned a penalty stroke. Captain Boon put it high past Dragons’ substitute keeper Prince Deep Singh before Govers’ second goal drew parity in the fourth quarter.

Dragons’ Nathan Ephramus, Govers, Uttam Singh and Tom Craig scored against Royals’ Yashdeep Siwach and Maxime van Oost in the tie-breaker.

Published on Jan 21, 2026