In a dramatic finale that went down to the wire, the SG Pipers were crowned champions of the second edition of the Women's Hero Hockey India League (HIL) on Saturday. They defeated the Bengal Tigers in a tense penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time, with substitute goalkeeper Bansari Solanki stepping off the bench to become the unlikely heroine.
From the Bench to the Spotlight: Solanki's Dream Final
The title clash in Ranchi was a nail-biter, mirroring the two teams' previous encounters in the tournament. For the third time in this edition, the Tigers and Pipers could not be separated after four quarters of intense hockey. The deadlock was finally broken by a moment of individual brilliance from an unexpected source.
Bansari Solanki, who was not named in the starting lineup for the final, was brought on specifically for the penalty shootout. The young goalkeeper from Vadodara displayed nerves of steel, making a series of crucial saves. Her most significant contribution was stopping a penalty stroke from Argentine superstar Agustina Gorzelany, the tournament's leading goalscorer. Solanki's heroics between the posts ensured the Pipers triumphed in the shootout, earning her both the Player of the Match and the Goalkeeper of the Tournament awards.
A Journey of Twists and Turns
Solanki's path to this championship-winning moment is a story of serendipity and perseverance. Growing up, she dreamt of being an aeronautics engineer and only took up hockey for fun after a teacher's encouragement. Her journey took a decisive turn when she was spotted by Indian hockey legend Dhanraj Pillay during a talent scouting trip in Gujarat. Even her position as a goalkeeper was accidental, chosen to fill in for an absent teammate.
Her skills were later honed by Olympian Romeo James. Solanki's inspiration came from watching the previous iteration of the HIL, which ran until 2017, transforming her casual interest into a deep passion for the sport.
How the Final Unfolded
The match itself was a tactical battle. The Bengal Tigers drew first blood in the 19th minute through a goal from the tireless Lalremsiami, who capitalised on a drilled pass from Sushila Chanu. The Pipers, despite starting strongly and creating an early chance for Jyoti Singh, struggled to find an equaliser for much of the game.
Their persistence paid off in the 53rd minute when Preeti Dubey finally levelled the score. Her shot took a crucial deflection off the goalkeeper's stick to find the net. The Tigers had their opportunities, forcing five penalty corners, but Gorzelany was denied, once by the width of the post.
In the shootout, alongside Solanki's saves, successful attempts from captain Navneet Kaur (who was also named Player of the Tournament) and Juana Castellaro kept the Pipers in the hunt. The winning moment came from a penalty stroke, won by Kaitlin Nobbs and coolly converted by Lola Riera.
The victory marks a remarkable turnaround for the SG Pipers, who finished last in the inaugural edition with just one win. Their campaign, defined by discipline and belief under pressure, culminated in a championship win that was celebrated across social media by Hockey India League.
