Harmanpreet Singh shines in dramatic shootout victory for Soorma

Penalty shootouts decided the fate of a high-octane encounter on Friday as JSW Soorma Hockey Club edged past Hyderabad Toofans at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium. After the regulation time ended with the scoreboard reading 1-1, the Soorma side kept their nerves to clinch a 3-1 victory in the shootout during the ongoing Hockey India League 2025-26.

Friday’s clash began with aggressive intent from both squads. While the first quarter remained goalless due to some exceptional defending, the momentum shifted in the second quarter. Breaking the deadlock, Captain Harmanpreet Singh showcased his class in the 20th minute. He fired a low drag-flick into the bottom left corner during a penalty corner, giving JSW Soorma a crucial 1-0 lead heading into halftime.

Hyderabad Toofans refused to back down. After a few close calls, they found their rhythm in the fourth quarter. Amandeep Lakra rose to the occasion in the 46th minute, blasting a powerful equalizer through a penalty corner. The Toofans nearly snatched a late winner when Tim Brand deflected a pass just inches wide, and Arshdeep Singh tested the goalkeeper with a fierce back-handed shot. However, JSW Soorma’s goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch pulled off a vital save to force the match into a shootout.

In the deciding moments, JSW Soorma Hockey Club proved superior. Nicolas Keenan and Harmanpreet Singh successfully converted their attempts. The dramatic finish saw Hyderabad goalkeeper Bikramjit Singh concede a penalty stroke for a foul during Nicolas della Torre's try. Harmanpreet stepped up once again, converting the stroke to seal the bonus point and the win for his team.