In a pulsating encounter at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Egmore, the Tamil Nadu Dragons managed to withstand a fierce late challenge from Soorma Hockey Club, securing a narrow 3-2 victory on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. The match was nearly stolen by a sensational individual performance from Soorma's captain, Harmanpreet Singh, but the Dragons' resilience saw them through to claim the top spot on the league table.
Dragons Dominate Early, Build Commanding Lead
The home side, Tamil Nadu Dragons, started with clear intent and were the superior team for the first half. Their high press caused problems for Soorma from the outset, forcing goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch into an early save within the first minute. The pressure finally told as the halftime break approached. Selvaraj Kanagaraj broke the deadlock in the 28th minute, finishing off a precise pass from Chandan Yadav down the right flank.
The Dragons capitalized on their momentum and struck again just before the interval. Uttam Singh doubled the lead in the 30th minute with a superb reverse hit, making it 2-0. This goal came moments after Soorma's Gurjant Singh received a green card, leaving his team temporarily shorthanded.
Harmanpreet Singh Orchestrates Soorma's Fightback
The third quarter saw a shift in momentum as Soorma, led by the inspirational Harmanpreet Singh, played with renewed urgency. Operating like a quarterback from deep defense, Harmanpreet's long-range passing began to find its mark. He won Soorma's first penalty corner in the 36th minute but could not convert.
The Dragons thought they had scored a third through Nathan Ephramus, but the goal was disallowed for a backstick foul. From the resulting free hit, Harmanpreet produced a moment of pure magic. With just five seconds left in the quarter, he launched a long aerial ball into the circle. A deflection fell perfectly for Maninder Singh, who slammed the ball home with only one second on the clock, sending the teams into the final break at 2-1.
Late Drama as Dragons Seal Victory
Soorma carried their momentum into the fourth quarter, but against the run of play, the Dragons delivered a sucker punch. A blistering counterattack, started by a superb run from Tom Craig, ended with Blake Govers scoring in the 47th minute with an extraordinary first touch and finish, restoring the two-goal cushion.
Refusing to surrender, Soorma launched a final assault, earning a series of penalty corners. Dragons' defenders, including a crucial block from Rohidas, and goalkeeper David Harte stood firm. Harmanpreet Singh finally converted a PC in the 58th minute with a powerful drag-flick to set up a grandstand finish at 3-2.
The final two minutes were incredibly tense as Soorma won two more penalty corners. However, the Dragons' defense, showing immense composure under heavy pressure, held strong to see out the match. The victory earned Tamil Nadu Dragons 5 points, moving them to the top of the Hockey India League table.
While Harmanpreet Singh's heroic efforts—a goal and an assist—threatened to inspire an incredible comeback, the Dragons' early dominance and clinical finishing proved decisive in this five-goal thriller.
