Bhubaneswar hosts dramatic clash ending in shootout win for hosts.

Bhubaneswar: Hockey fans at the Kalinga Stadium were treated to an electrifying finish on Sunday evening as the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers secured a hard-fought victory against the Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons. In a match that demanded nerve and precision, the home team emerged victorious 4-1 in a penalty shootout after the regulation time ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

Early exchanges in the game were cautious, with both teams looking to control the midfield. The first quarter ended goalless, but the silence was broken in the second quarter. Blake Govers silenced the home crowd in the 19th minute, converting a penalty stroke with clinical precision to give the Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons a 1-0 lead.

Trailing at halftime, the Lancers came out with renewed energy in the third quarter. Their persistence paid off in the 44th minute when Alexander Hendrickx stepped up to a penalty corner. His powerful drag-flick found the back of the net, leveling the score at 1-1 and bringing the Bhubaneswar crowd back to its feet.

Discipline became an issue as the pressure mounted. Adrohit Ekka of the Dragons received a green card in the 29th minute, while the Lancers saw Antoine Kina and Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem sent to the sin bin in the 42nd and 57th minutes, respectively. Despite these setbacks, the defense held firm, pushing the game into a shootout.

In the deciding shootout, the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers showcased superior composure. They dominated the tie-breaker, scoring four times compared to the Dragons' solitary conversion. This crucial win in Match 23 of the Hockey India League 2026 cements the Lancers' reputation as a formidable force on their home turf.