Dragons secure bonus point after thrilling 3-3 draw
Hockey enthusiasts were treated to a sensational start to the new season as the Tamil Nadu Dragons and Hyderabad Toofans played out a high-voltage 3-3 draw. While the regulation time ended level, the Dragons eventually secured the bonus point thanks to shootout heroics from young goalkeeper Princedeep Singh.
Fast-Paced Action
The match at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium began with aggressive energy. The Dragons seized early control, taking a 2-0 lead in the first quarter with field goals from Uttam Singh and Thomas Sorsby. However, the Hyderabad Toofans, last year’s finalists, refused to back down.
Young drag-flicker Amandeep Lakra stepped up for the Toofans in the absence of Gonzalo Peillat. He fired in two powerful penalty corners to level the score, showcasing why he is rated so highly in the Hockey India League.
A Game of Fine Margins
Momentum shifted constantly throughout the game. Local star Karthi Selvam put the Dragons ahead again in the third quarter with a spectacular diving finish, capitalizing on a brilliant full-length pass from midfielder Tom Craig.
The Toofans responded with equal flair. Arthur De Sloover scored a goal-of-the-season contender, finding the net from an impossibly tight angle to make it 3-3. In the dying seconds, Amandeep Lakra turned savior for Hyderabad, making a desperate diving block to stop a Dragons counterattack and force the tiebreaker.
Shootout Drama
For the shootout, the Tamil Nadu Dragons made a tactical switch, bringing in goalkeeper Princedeep Singh. The move paid off perfectly. Returning to the venue where he shined during the Junior World Cup, Princedeep produced two stunning saves.
His composed performance denied the Toofans and ensured the Dragons walked away with the extra point in this thrilling Hockey India League curtain-raiser.
