Ranchi,jan 9
After two weeks of high-octane hockey action, featuring 12 matches that witnessed 37 goals in the Women’s Hockey India League 2025-26, the stage is set for SG Pipers and Shrachi Bengal Tigers to lock horns in the final that is scheduled to take place at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium here on Saturday.Notably, the winner of the Women’s Hero Hockey India League 2025-26 will receive Rs 1.5 crore, while the runners-up will take home Rs 1 crore. Also, Ranchi Royals, who finished third, will be awarded Rs 50 lakh. In addition, the Player of the Tournament will earn Rs 20 lakh, while individual honours such as the Best Goalkeeper, Upcoming Player, and Top Scorer of the Tournament will each carry a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh. The Fairplay Trophy will also be presented to the team that has best upheld the spirit of the game throughout the season, as per a Hockey India press release.Talking about the finalists, with fairly similar playing styles, both teams have held their own in what was a highly competitive season in the Women’s HIL. While the SG Pipers topped the table with 11 points, Shrachi Bengal Tigers sealed the second spot with two wins in regular time and two wins in shootouts, registering 10 points and edging out a Ranchi Royals side that finished in third place with 9 points.The top two teams faced off twice in the league stage, with Shrachi Bengal Tigers clinching a penalty shootout win on both occasions. After a 3-3 draw in their first match, the Tigers went on to secure a 4-3 win in the shootout. In the second game, they prevailed 7-6 in the shootout after a goalless draw. However, the stats throughout the league stage would favour the SG Pipers. They are the second-highest goalscorers in the tournament having scored 11 goals – only bettered by Ranchi Royals (13 goals) – with their captain Navneet Kaur leading the way with 4 goals in the tournament thus far. Lola Riera (3 goals) and Sunelita Toppo (2 goals) have also contributed, while Jyoti Singh and Maria Teresa Vianaache have also found the back of the net.
