Local hero Amit Rohidas leads Dragons to crucial HIL victory

Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons have officially claimed the number one spot in the Hockey India League standings. In an electrifying encounter at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium this Tuesday, the Dragons secured a narrow 3–2 win against JSW Soorma Hockey Club. While the hosts dominated for the majority of the game, they had to survive a frantic late-game surge from the Soorma squad to keep their winning streak alive.

Odisha’s own hockey star and Dragons captain, Amit Rohidas, played a pivotal role in the victory, marshaling a defense that held firm under immense pressure. The scoring opened in the 28th minute when Selvaraj Kanagaraj capitalized on a slick pass from Chandan Yadav. The momentum stayed with the hosts as Uttam Singh fired a stunning reverse hit into the net just two minutes later, giving the Dragons a comfortable 2–0 cushion heading into the halftime break.

The second half saw a more aggressive JSW Soorma Hockey Club. Despite it being his birthday, Soorma captain Harmanpreet Singh struggled early on with penalty corner conversions. However, the visitors found a lifeline in the final second of the third quarter when Maninder Singh scored off a deflection.

The Hockey India League action intensified in the final period. Blake Govers seemed to put the game out of reach for the Dragons in the 47th minute, finishing a beautiful team move to make it 3–1. JSW Soorma refused to back down, and Harmanpreet Singh eventually found the back of the net with a trademark drag-flick in the 58th minute.

The closing moments were a test of nerves for Odisha hockey fans watching their local hero, Rohidas, defend a barrage of late penalty corners. Thanks to some spectacular saves by goalkeeper David Harte and disciplined defending, the Dragons held on to their lead. This victory takes them to 5 points, placing them at the peak of the current Hockey India League points table.