Jugraj Singh shines with hat-trick in crucial league victory
Defending champions Sharchi Bengal Tigers roared back to form on Tuesday, securing a vital 5-3 victory over Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons in the ongoing Hero Hockey India League 2026. Played at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Hockey Stadium, the match saw captain Jugraj Singh lead from the front, netting a sensational hat-trick to keep his team’s title defense alive.
Before this high-stakes encounter, the Tigers were languishing at the seventh spot in the pool table. However, this commanding performance has vaulted them to fourth place, breathing new life into their campaign.
Early Lead and Tactical Play
Sharchi Bengal Tigers wasted no time asserting dominance. Although an early attempt by Abhishek missed the mark, the pressure paid off in the 11th minute. A defensive error by the Dragons resulted in a penalty stroke, which Jugraj Singh converted with precision, firing low past the legendary goalkeeper David Harte.
Despite taking a 1-0 lead into halftime, Tigers' coach Valentin Altenburg demanded more precision from his squad. His team responded immediately in the third quarter. Sukhjeet Singh doubled the lead to 2-0, finishing a brilliant setup involving Tommy Willems and Abhishek.
A Flurry of Goals
The match intensified as the second half progressed. While Adrohit Ekka pulled one back for the Dragons in the 36th minute, the third quarter belonged to Jugraj. The prolific scorer struck twice more in rapid succession (43rd and 45th minutes), completing his hat-trick and extending the lead to a comfortable 4-1. Jugraj is now only the second player in the league to achieve a hat-trick this season.
Nail-Biting Finish
Refusing to give up, Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons mounted a fierce comeback in the final quarter. Goals from Thomas Sorsby and Blake Govers brought the scoreline to a tense 4-3, putting pressure on the defending champs.
However, the Tigers held their nerve during the frantic final minutes. Abhishek sealed the deal in the 55th minute, scoring off a clever penalty corner variation to finalize the score at 5-3.
