Bhubaneswar: Fans had thronged the Kalinga Stadium to root for Kalinga Lancers in the final of Hockey India League (HIL).
The men in blue shirts did not disappoint the vocal crowd, dishing out a superb performance to clinch the title with a 3-2 win against Ranchi Royals.
Belgian Alexander Hendrickx scored two goals with expert dragflicks and also played a role in Dilpreet Singh’s goal.
Ranchi levelled scores through a field goal by Araijeet Singh Hundal after Hendrickx had opened the scoring. Two goals in the second quarter handed Kalinga Lancers a 3-1 advantage at halftime.
After a goalless third quarter, Ranchi reduced the margin through a Tom Boon penalty corner conversion. But it came too late, with 90 seconds to go for the final hooter. Kalinga Lancers kept Ranchi at bay for the remaining time to seal the title.
It’s magical at Kalinga tonight ✨#HeroHockeyIndiaLeague #BigIsBack #IndiaKaGame #JazbaJeetKa #HIL #OdishaForHockey #PadiaToPodium pic.twitter.com/ibb8hGi9TM
— Odisha Sports (@sports_odisha) January 26, 2026
Among dignitaries present at Kalinga Stadium to watch the final were Speaker Surama Padhy, Sports minister Suryabanshi Suraj, Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, DSYS Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, Hockey India president Dilip Kumar Tirkey, Asian Hockey Federation VP and Hockey India secretary Bhola Nath Singh.
Honoured by the presence of Smt. Surama Padhy (Hon’ble Speaker, Odisha Legislative Assembly), Shri Suryabanshi Suraj (Hon’ble Minister for Sports & Youth Services, Higher Education, Odia Language, Literature & Culture), Shri Babu Singh (Hon’ble Member of the Odisha Legislative… pic.twitter.com/Da9TBIj4pj
— Hockey India League (@HockeyIndiaLeag) January 26, 2026
Hyderabad Toofans finish third
Earlier in the day, Hyderabad Toofans secured the bronze medal. They beat HIL GC 4-3 in the third place playoff clash.