SG Pipers clinch Women’s Hero HIL title after shootout thriller

SG Pipers held their nerve under pressure to defeat Shrachi Bengal Tigers 3–2 in a dramatic shootout after the Final ended 1–1 in regulation time, lifting the Women’s Hero Hockey India League 2025–26 title in an unforgettable contest.

Preeti Dubey’s late equaliser kept SG Pipers alive before goalkeeper Bansari Solanki produced a match-winning performance in the shootout, making crucial saves to seal the championship.

The Final began at a high tempo, with both teams battling hard in midfield and probing for early openings. SG Pipers looked threatening in the opening quarter, coming close through Jyoti Singh and Juana Castellaro, but Shrachi Bengal Tigers goalkeeper Jennifer Rizzo stood firm.

The breakthrough came early in the second quarter. A sharp pass from Sushila Chanu found Lalremsiami inside the circle, and the forward made no mistake, smashing home a powerful shot in the 16th minute to give the Tigers the lead.

The Tigers had chances to extend their advantage through penalty corners but couldn’t capitalise, allowing SG Pipers to stay within touching distance going into halftime.

Shrachi Bengal Tigers controlled large parts of the third quarter, creating chances and hitting the post through Agustina Gorzelany. SG Pipers stayed in the game thanks to solid goalkeeping from Cristina Cosentino and last-ditch defending.

As the clock ticked down in the final quarter, SG Pipers turned up the pressure. Their persistence finally paid off in the 53rd minute when Preeti Dubey’s backhand effort took a deflection and rolled into the net, bringing the Final level and igniting celebrations on the Pipers’ bench.

The Tigers nearly won it late on, but a brave block from Lola Riera denied them at the death, pushing the match into a shootout.

In the shootout, SG Pipers showed composure. Captain Navneet Kaur and Juana Castellaro converted their attempts, while a foul on Kaitlin Nobbs earned the Pipers a penalty stroke, calmly slotted home by Lola Riera.

At the other end, Bansari Solanki was outstanding, making three key saves, including stopping a penalty stroke, to guide SG Pipers to a 3–2 shootout win and the league title.

Hockey India League announced prize money of INR 1.5 crore for champions SG Pipers, INR 1 crore for runners-up Shrachi Bengal Tigers, and INR 50 lakh for third-placed Ranchi Royals.

Ranchi Royals received the Fair Play Award. SG Pipers goalkeeper Bansari Solanki was named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament, while teammate Sunelita Toppo won the Upcoming Player award, both earning INR 5 lakh. Shrachi Bengal Tigers’ Agustina Gorzelany finished as Top Scorer, while SG Pipers captain Navneet Kaur was crowned Hero Player of the Tournament and received INR 20 lakh.

It was a Final decided by patience, courage, and calm under pressure — and on the biggest night of the season, SG Pipers stood tallest.