Ranchi, 09 January (H.S.): After two weeks of pulsating contests yielding 37 goals across 12 matches, the Women's Hero Hockey India League 2025-26 reaches its crescendo Saturday at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh AstroTurf Hockey Stadium, pitting table-toppers SG Pipers against second-placed Shrachi Bengal Tigers in a title decider poised to unveil a fresh champion.

Winners pocket ₹1.5 crore alongside the trophy, runners-up claim ₹1 crore, third-placed Ranchi Royals secure ₹50 lakh, Hero Player of the Tournament earns ₹20 lakh, while distinctions for Best Goalkeeper, Upcoming Player, and Top Scorer each net ₹5 lakh; a Fair Play Trophy honors exemplary sportsmanship.

Head-to-Head Stats Favor Pipers' Potent Attack

SG Pipers dominated league phase standings on 11 points from unbeaten run, netting 11 goals—second-highest tally—led by captain Navneet Kaur's four strikes, Lola Riera's three, and Sunelita Toppo's brace, underpinned by conceding just nine through robust defense.

Shrachi Bengal Tigers amassed 10 points via two regulation wins and two shootouts, spearheaded by penalty corner maestro Agustina Gorzelany's five goals plus Lalremsiami's pair, though defensive frailties saw 11 conceded; prior league clashes ended shootout triumphs for Tigers—4-3 after 3-3 draw, then 7-6 post goalless deadlock.

Navneet Kaur affirmed: From bottom last season to finals now marks our fearless evolution; the trophy beckons. Tigers skipper Vandana Katariya echoed: Title glory fueled us from outset; every match honed us for championship focus.

Ranchi Royals languished third on nine points, setting stage for this balanced showdown blending Pipers' firepower against Tigers' grit.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar