Chennai: Defending champions Shrachi Bengal Tigers began their Men’s Hero Hockey India League (HIL) campaign in confident fashion, registering a 3–1 win over JSW Soorma Hockey Club at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium on Sunday.
According to the official match report published on the Hockey India League website, the opening quarter saw both teams testing each other, with disciplined defence keeping the scoreline blank. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 33rd minute, when Sukhjeet Singh converted a well-worked move to put the Tigers ahead, giving the champions momentum heading into the second half .
The Tigers tightened their grip on the contest in the third quarter as Abhishek doubled the lead in the 45th minute, capitalising on sustained pressure. JSW Soorma showed resilience and pulled one back through Prabhjot Singh in the 54th minute, briefly raising hopes of a comeback. However, any chance of a late twist was shut down when Gursewak Singh struck in the final minute to seal the result for Bengal .
Reflecting on the win, the Tigers’ camp highlighted the importance of starting strong in a competitive league. “Opening matches are always tricky, but the boys stayed patient and executed the plan well,” a team official was quoted as saying on the Hockey India League portal .
With this assured performance, Shrachi Bengal Tigers have sent out an early warning to their rivals, underlining their intent to defend the title with the same control and composure that defined their championship run.
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