Kalinga Lancers capped a memorable campaign by edging Ranchi Royals 3-2 in a gripping final to lift the Men’s Hockey India League 2026 title in front of their home crowd in Bhubaneswar on Monday.
Belgian drag-flick specialist Alexander Hendrickx (4’, 27′) led the charge while Dilpreet Singh (25’) helped the Lancers earn a decisive first-half cushion.
Ranchi Royals stayed in the contest through Araijeet Singh Hundal (9’) and a late penalty-corner conversion by captain Tom Boon (59’) but the comeback fell short.
The Hockey India League final began at a frenetic pace, with both sides pressing aggressively and creating early circle entries. Kalinga Lancers struck first when Hendrickx powered home a drag-flick from a penalty corner in the fourth minute.
However, the lead was short-lived as Ranchi Royals responded with a moment of quality. Yashdeep Siwach switched play from the left, finding Hundal, who controlled superbly before firing past the goalkeeper to level the scores.
Sustained pressure from the Lancers in the second quarter pinned the Ranchi Royals deep, yielding a series of penalty corners.
In the 25th minute, Dilpreet reacted quickest after Suraj Karkera saved Hendrickx’s initial flick, turning in the rebound to restore the lead.
Two minutes later, Hendrickx made it 3-1 with another drag-flick, this time arrowed into the top corner to send the home side into half-time with momentum on their side.
Ranchi Royals controlled more possession after the break and probed patiently for a way back. They earned a penalty corner in the 36th minute but Boon’s attempt was blocked by the first rusher.
Chances continued to come for Ranchi Royals, including a close-range opportunity for Hundal late in the third quarter, only for Lancers goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak to stand firm with a sharp save.
The final quarter was played almost entirely in the Lancers’ half as Ranchi Royals committed numbers forward. Pathak produced a series of outstanding saves, denying Sam Lane, Boon and Nilam Sanjeep Xess, including a reflex stop with his stick in the 54th minute.
Boon finally breached the defence with a low drag-flick from a penalty corner in the 59th minute, but time ran out before an equaliser could be found.
This was the second title for the Kalinga Lancers, having also won the 2017 edition of India’s top hockey league. Earlier in the day, Hyderabad Toofans beat HIL GC 4-3 to finish third.
Tamil Nadu Dragons goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh won the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament and Talem Priyobarta of HIL GC earned the Upcoming Player of the Tournament award.
Ranchi Royals’ Captain Tom Boon won the Top Scorer of the Tournament with 19 goals to his name, while Hyderabad Toofans’ Amandeep Lakra was crowned the Player of the Tournament.
Hockey India League 2025-26 awards
Fairplay Award: HIL GC
Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Prince Deep Singh
Upcoming Player of the Tournament: Talem Priyobarta
Top Scorer of the Tournament: Tom Boon
Player of the Tournament: Amandeep Lakra