Rourkela, 07/01/2025: In a high-stakes clash at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Monday, Soorma Hockey Club overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat Delhi SG Pipers 3-1 in a dramatic penalty shootout during the Hockey India League.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh played a pivotal role for Soorma, scoring two penalty corner goals in the final quarter to bring his team level after trailing 2-0. His brilliance forced the match into a shootout, where goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch stole the show with three crucial saves that secured a crucial victory for Soorma.
The Pipers dominated the early stages of the game with superior ball possession and sharp circle entries. Anchored by Jarmanpreet Singh’s strong defensive presence and offensive support, the team looked in control. Tomas Domene opened the scoring in the third quarter with a skillful finish, followed by Manjeet’s diving deflection from a Jake Whetton cross, giving the Pipers a comfortable 2-0 lead heading into the final period.
Soorma, however, turned the tide in the fourth quarter. Energized by their midfield, they earned consecutive penalty corners, with Harmanpreet converting the first through a deflected shot off goalkeeper Benjamin Rennie’s pads. Moments later, Harmanpreet struck again, scoring from an unconventional angle to equalize in the dying minutes of the match.
Soorma Hockey Club triumphed 3-1 in a penalty shootout against Delhi SG Pipers after a 2-2 draw, with Vivek Sagar Prasad, Nicolas Keenan, and Boris Burkhardt scoring for Soorma. Goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch’s stellar saves and captain Harmanpreet Singh’s leadership were instrumental in the victory, while Aditya Lalage was the Pipers’ lone scorer in the shootout.
